A $1.3 billion infrastructure package for Western Australia has been announced today, which includes record funding for major new projects, as part of next week’s Federal Budget.
Some of the key road projects will include:
- $200 million for the Great Eastern Highway Upgrades – Coates Gully, Walgoolan to Southern Cross and Ghooli to Benari
- $112.5 million for the Reid Highway (Altone Road and Daviot Road-Drumpellier Drive) grade-separated intersections
- $64 million for the Toodyay Road Upgrade – Dryandra to Toodyay
- $55 million for the Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication, and
“From upgrading the Great Eastern Highway and building METRONET, to improving roads and rail lines that are crucial to our grain growers and farmers in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt, these projects will support more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across WA,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“And of course the landmark GST deal for WA delivered by our Government enables the WA State Government to also deliver on their infrastructure commitments.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the substantial new funding delivered in this year’s Budget was a key plank to help Australia bounce back stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In this Budget, the Federal Government will continue our strong record of infrastructure delivery as we lay the economic foundations for recovery from the pandemic,” McCormack said.
“Since April last year, we have delivered NorthLink WA – Northern and Central Sections, which received $556 million in federal funding. We also partnered with the Western Australian Government to deliver the Great Northern Highway – Muchea to Wubin Upgrade, with a $276 million federal investment.”
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the additional $1.26 billion would ensure WA’s pipeline of infrastructure work will continue, providing an ongoing economic boost.
“We are already embarking on the biggest road and rail investment program our State has ever seen,” he said.
“This program has something for the city and regions, targeting major congestion pinch points in the eastern, northern and southern suburbs which are currently experiencing major population growth.”