Fixing the Denny Avenue intersection in Kelmscott is a big part of Labor’s Metronet plan.
Camera IconFixing the Denny Avenue intersection in Kelmscott is a big part of Labor’s Metronet plan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

State Government to fight for National Rail Program funding for Metronet

Staff WriterEastern Reporter

THE State Government says it will fight for a share of the Federal Government’s $10 billion National Rail Program funds to be allocated to Metronet projects.

The program was outlined in Tuesday night’s federal budget, with specific projects set for Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria.

But WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the government will fight for a slice of the money to help fund local projects.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

These include the commencement of the Circle Line, linking Thornlie to Cockburn; extension of the Joondalup Line to Yanchep; the new Morley-Ellenbrook Line; extension of the Armadale Line to Byford; and the removal of dangerous level crossings.

The Federal Government recently agreed to reallocate some of the existing funding from the Perth Freight Link project for Metronet.

But Ms Saffioti wants more.

“Now that the Federal Government has realised the importance of trains and public transport, it is time they get behind Western Australia’s plan for Metronet,” she said.

“Metronet is a transformational project that will revitalise parts of the city and create better connections to jobs, education and essential services.

“It’s time WA got its fair share of infrastructure, we have the projects and they deserve funding – it’s time for the Federal Government to take Western Australia seriously.”

MORE: Claims ‘Terry Tyzack Aquatic Centre’ name gives him election advtantage

MORE: Prison term for man who led police on meth-fuelled chase