PLANS to move Midland station near the hospital are on track in the State Government’s latest Budget, with a $28.2 million commitment locked in as part of Metronet.
The new rail-bus transit hub will involve building a train station on land at Cale Street/Railway Parade and extending the line to Bellevue.
Initial funding will pay for the planning and design of the Midland and Bellevue stations and go towards land purchases for the Bellevue extension.
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READ NOWA timeline for the entire construction is expected when planning and costs are finalised.
The State Government will seek more Federal funding through the $10 billion National Rail Program and from land sales as the project moves forward.
Premier Mark McGowan made the promise to move Midland station in February. He said construction would start in the new State Government’s first term at a cost of $79 million.
He said the station’s current location did not maximise access to the hospital, railway workshops and shopping precincts.
Moving the station is expected to create 283 jobs.
While plans are at the conceptual stage, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she envisaged the new station would be of a standard and design befitting a strategic metropolitan centre.
“Metronet is our long-term plan to not just reduce traffic congestion but to connect our suburbs and drive sustainable new developments,” she said.
“The new Midland station will be better connected to the town centre and key employment areas such as the hospital and revitalised workshops precinct.”
She said the Bellevue extension would serve the growing Hills and Foothills communities.
“This means residents in Midland, Bellevue, Stratton and the Hills can look forward to being connected to the expanded Metronet system to get to places like the new Perth Stadium, Yanchep and the airport,” she said.
Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw said the relocated station was good for people living in the area.
News of the Budget commitment was further welcomed by Midland MLA Michelle Roberts, who said the move was essential for the revitalisation and growth of Midland.
She said commuters would be placed in the midst of the action when they alighted at the new station.
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