FEDERAL Labor leader Bill Shorten will invest $83 million to progress development of a new Midland train station and extension of the Midland line to Bellevue if he wins the next election.
Mr Shorten said the existing Midland station was an ageing facility that needed redevelopment to keep pace with the growing needs of the area, including improving access to the St John of God Midland Hospital and minimising existing traffic congestion.
He said the extension of the rail line 800m to Bellevue would improve public transport access and better connect the Swan region to the city – encouraging development in the region and making it easier, and quicker, for locals to access the services they need.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWPremier Mark McGowan said the relocation of the Midland train station would open up land redevelopment options around the new station including apartments, retail and commercial opportunities.
“Midland has been ignored by the Federal Liberal Government and this commitment will ensure that we can get on more easily with the task of improving this area,” he said.
“Relocating the train station is a sensible thing and it has been talked about for decades and finally we are going to be able to do it.”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the relocation of the station would help Midland grow into the future.
“We are in the final stages of planning and the business case will hopefully be prepared by the third quarter of this year,” she said.
MORE: Perth Children’s Hospital set for May 14 opening
MORE: WA Police charge four people following shooting at shopping centre