WORK on the Stephenson Avenue extension in Innaloo is set to start within a year after the Federal Government committed funding for the project.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced while in Perth last week that the Government would provide $65 million in this year’s Budget to extend the road to connect to the Mitchell Freeway, which forms stage 1 of the Stirling City Centre project.
The State Government will contribute $60 million to the $134 million project. Westfield Innaloo has committed $10 million.
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READ NOWStirling Mayor Mark Irwin said he was thrilled development could start.
“This commitment means that the Stirling City Centre project is no longer a dream, it’s a reality,” he said.
“We can now get started on delivering this visionary project and the numerous benefits it will bring.
“The City has already started work on detailed designs and expects to start work on the project in the next 12 months.”
Cr Irwin said a light rail connection between Glendalough Station and Scarborough Beach was the second stage.
“Not only will this transform the Stirling City Centre into a vibrant urban centre, it will also connect transport from the heart of the City through to the iconic Scarborough Beach,” he said.
Stirling MHR Michael Keenan said he had been “campaigning tirelessly” for the funding on behalf of the City.
“The project is far more than just a road to help ease traffic congestion,” he said.
“It will open up large areas of land for new commercial development, helping the City of Stirling to realise its vision for a second CBD outside of Perth.”
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced two weeks earlier that Labor would give $64 million to the project if elected.
Mr Turnbull also announced $10.6 million in the Budget to expand Osborne Park Hospital, which would help the State Government upgrade the hospital’s neonatal facility and provide additional rehabilitation beds.
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