WA’s biggest ever transport infrastructure program, the $6.5 billion Building for Tomorrow program, is tipped to be a key feature of the state’s COVID-19 economic recovery.
Launched on 23 August, the Building for Tomorrow program will feature major infrastructure projects over the next two years, with $260 million anticipated to be spent on transport portfolio works monthly, building to $280 million a month in the 2021-22 financial year.
“As part of our WA Recovery Plan we’re making immediate investments in job-creating initiatives to help us rebound stronger than ever, and we’re also pushing ahead with the biggest ever investment in transport infrastructure,” says WA Premier Mark McGowan.
Of the $6.5 billion, $2 billion will be spent on regional projects with up to $100 million to be spent in the regions monthly.
“Over the next two years there will be a construction boom setting the foundation for Perth to keep pace with population growth – you won’t be able to visit anywhere in WA without seeing works underway and hard hats on the ground,” says WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
As part of the Building for Tomorrow program, eleven major road projects and 24 minor road and transport projects will be fast-tracked – including the Mitchell Freeway extension to Romeo Road, the Tonkin Gap project through Bayswater and the Albany Ring Road – which is estimated to create over 13,000 jobs.
“I know road works and the associated traffic delays are frustrating, but the benefits in the long run means we have long lasting infrastructure for years and years to come,” adds McGowan.
He says these major works will remove bottlenecks and ease congestion, making it easier for Western Australians to travel around the suburbs and regions.
For more information on the Building for Tomorrow program, please click here.