THE State Government will spend $7.7 billion on transport infrastructure over the next four years, including $1.5 billion for the Roe 8 Freight Link.
The controversial plan to extend Roe Highway across Beeliar Wetlands was suspended last year by the WA Supreme Court after it decided environmental permits granted for the project were invalid.
But, in his state budget handed down on Thursday, Treasurer Mike Nahan said the project was a priority.
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READ NOW“It will deliver a key strategic freight link in the Perth urban transport corridor while reducing congestion for all road users,” Dr Nahan said in his budget speech.
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“It is estimated this important project will have 2400 direct employed workers, while creating an additional 10,000 additional employment opportunities indirectly.
“At the same time it will enable safe and efficient transport links to be formed between our industrial centres, the Fremantle Port inner harbour and the future outer harbour.”
Other infrastructure projects to be undertaken include $1.9 billion for the Forrestfield-Airport link and $427 million for the $1.9 billion MAX light rail project.
There will be $145 million allocated to turn Armadale Road into a dual carriageway and $49 million Ellenbrook Bus Rapid Transit project.