Southern River MLA Peter Abetz, Riverton MLA Mike Nahan, Senate opposition leader Eric Abetz and City of Gosnells Mayor Dave Griffiths.d396123
Camera IconSouthern River MLA Peter Abetz, Riverton MLA Mike Nahan, Senate opposition leader Eric Abetz and City of Gosnells Mayor Dave Griffiths.d396123 Credit: Supplied/Matthew Poon

MP asks brother for rail funding

Staff ReporterCanning Gazette

The MP asked his brother to meet City of Gosnells Mayor Dave Griffiths and Riverton MLA Mike Nahan on Nicholson Road, to discuss potential federal funding to extend the Thornlie train line through the site.

Mr Abetz said his brother might be able to advocate the project’s inclusion in the Building Australia Fund program (2008).

‘Having a sympathetic ear and a federal voice pushing for us in Canberra would hopefully help,’ he said.

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The State Government’s present position, as per its 2011 draft Public Transport Network Plan, is not to join the Thornlie and Mandurah lines via Canning Vale, Ranford Road and Jandakot before 2031.

Mr Abetz said he hoped a discovery the draft had relied on ‘grossly’ underestimated population predictions meant the plan’s final version might bring the line extension forward, but he doubted it would be out before the State election.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell’s office could not give the News a release date for the plan.

Southern River Labor candidate Susy Thomas said the State had failed Canning Vale, Huntingdale and Southern River residents on public transport.

‘Peter Abetz promised electors back in 2008 that he would deliver a train station and 4