Redirect freeway funds to Yanchep rail line, say politicians

Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts and Butler MLA John Quigley made a joint call for funds allocated in the 2015-16 State Budget to be spent on rail after funding for the freeway was provided in the Federal Budget.

Mr Quigley said the budget included $261 million for the freeway extension from Burns Beach Road to Hester Avenue and that money should not be lost for the area.

"In 2012, before the last State election, the Barnett Government promised rail to Yanchep by 2020 and then broke this promise straight after the election," he said.

"It is very important that the $261 million provided for in this year's Budget for infrastructure in the electorate of Butler not disappear to any other area now that the Federal Government are paying for the freeway.

"It is important to use these funds now to get the rail through to Yanchep or the chance will be lost. Without the rail to Yanchep the freeway extension will become an extended traffic jam."

Mrs Roberts said the City of Wanneroo would accommodate most of the population growth in the northern suburbs and needed infrastructure.

"The northern coastal growth corridor, which includes Alkimos, Eglinton, Yanchep and Two Rocks, is expected to welcome 73,000 additional people prior to 2036 and we need to start accommodating for that growth now," she said.

Mrs Roberts also called for the State Government to use allocated funds to extend the freeway north to Romeo Road.

In their joint statement last week, Mrs Roberts and Mr Quigley called for the rail extension to Yanchep to start immediately.