Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
Camera IconOpposition Leader Bill Shorten. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey www.communitypix.com.au d491853

Federal election: Funding boost promise for Morley-Ellenbrook rail line

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

FEDERAL Labor has promised to contribute $850 million towards the State Government’s Morley to Ellenbrook line if elected.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten joined Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to announce the funding commitment at a tour through the Nowergup rail depot today.

The Opposition had promised $700 million last year, which led to the Federal Government allocating $500 million for the project in this year’s budget.

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Funds will go towards the rail connection to Bayswater station and Tonkin Highway.

These works will be packaged with the Bayswater station upgrade in a bid to reduce local disruption during construction works.

Premier Mark McGowan and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPremier Mark McGowan and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Meanwhile, Federal Labor has also promised $50 million to build the Bellevue railcar manufacturing facility.

The facility is part of the State Government’s $1.6 billion commitment to deliver 246 railcars for Metronet.

Mr McGowan said the funding boost would help the government “get on with the job” and deliver “job-creating” infrastructure for the growing north-eastern suburbs.

“Delivering the new railcar manufacturing facility in Bellevue will help ensure we secure local jobs both in the assembly and maintenance of future Metronet railcars,” he said.

Ms Saffioti said the Federal partnership would reduce cost pressures.

Trains at the Nowergup depot. Martin Kennealey
Camera IconTrains at the Nowergup depot. Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Pearce MHR Christian Porter said WA Labor signed a city deal with the Coalition Government last April, with $500 million provided in the Federal Budget.

“The Federal Liberal Government had a deal with WA Labor to fund Ellenbrook rail on a 50-50 basis,” he said.