Labor recognises the importance of a modern, efficient port facility to the future of the Western Australian economy. Since it was first proposed in 1996, both sides of politics have recognised the Outer Harbour as the solution to the existing constraints on container freight coming into Perth.
As an export dependent economy, Perth needs an efficient port to stay competitive and grow. It’s time to make the Outer Harbour a reality.
Analysis by the Western Australian Government shows that Fremantle Harbour is expected to hit capacity early next decade, putting at risk investment and jobs in Western Australia.
Labor’s commitment will ensure the considerable planning work already undertaken on the Outer Harbour is rapidly progressed to avoid bottlenecks.
This announcement builds on other commitments Federal Labor has made in recent weeks to ensure Western Australia gets the infrastructure it needs for the future, including:
- $145 million for Community Connect South – the duplication of Armadale Road and construction of North Lake Road Bridge. This project will open up the south eastern corridor of Perth, removing congestion, improving travel times and improving access to the new suburbs of Piara Waters, Harrisdale, Hilbert, Haynes, Banjup and Forrestdale. This important project will support the growth of business parks and shopping centres in the area which in turn will support and grow local jobs. The total cost of this project is estimated at $290 million.
- $25 million to upgrade Denny Avenue and its intersections with Streich Avenue, Albany Highway and the rail crossing. Recent growth in the Kelmscott area has seen this 200 metre stretch of road become increasingly hazardous. Since 2010, 18,000 new residents have settled in the City of Armadale which puts increased pressure on this rail crossing and intersection. In the past six months, there have been many serious accidents, including one fatality. A preliminary estimate of the cost of this project is around $50 million and further detailed design and planning work will be required.
- $10 million towards additional carspaces at Mandurah Train Station to make it easier for commuters to park and ride. Over 1.3 million people make use of the Mandurah Train Station annually, and this important investment demonstrates that Labor is planning for the future. With equal investment from the WA Government, its expected at least 300 additional car parks will be made available for the thousands of commuters who use Mandurah Train Station every day.
SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT 02 6277 4053
MATTHEW FRANKLIN (ALBANESE) 0411 659 868
MARK SCOTT (MACTIERNAN) 0413 381 060
