State Budget delivers for transport infrastructure

The 2024-25 State Budget will continue the strong investment in transport projects and initiatives.

Over the next four years a total of $11.8 billion has been allocated for new road, rail and transport infrastructure projects across Western Australia, part of the Government's overall $42.4 billion investment in new infrastructure across the State.

The 2024-25 State Budget will continue the Cook Labor Government's strong track record of investment in transport projects and initiatives that drive jobs, boost the economy and support cost of living relief for households.

Over the next four years a total of $11.8 billion has been allocated for new road, rail and transport infrastructure projects across Western Australia, part of the Cook Government's overall $42.4 billion investment in new infrastructure across the State.

The 2024-25 State Budget provides $4.8 billion over the next four years to deliver program, supported by $2.9 billion in funding from the Commonwealth Government.

This includes an additional $254 million in State investment for the infrastructure program in this State Budget, with the Yanchep Rail Extension to commence operations in July, the Morley-Ellenbrook Line on track to be completed by the end of 2024, and a further three major rail projects expected to be delivered in 2025 (the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, Byford Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link).

Completion of these rail projects will see the delivery of:

17 new train stations;

61.5 kilometres of new tracks;

5.5 kilometres of new elevated rail;

six hectares of new public open space; and

the first east-west connecting rail between the Mandurah and Armadale Lines.

The program has also seen the removal of 15 level crossings around Perth.

A total of $13.4 billion will be invested on the State's roads over the next four years, to deliver new infrastructure, upgrade and maintain existing roads, manage the network and undertake future planning. This will include $4.5 billion of investment in regional WA. Additional funding has also been allocated to address unavoidable cost increases for labour, equipment and key materials.

Major projects currently being delivered across the State include:

Bunbury Outer Ring Road;

Albany Ring Road;

Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges;

sealing of the Tanami Road; and

Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication.

Funding will also continue to be invested in the Regional Road Safety Program, the biggest road safety initiative ever undertaken in Western Australia. The program is delivering low-cost safety treatments like sealed shoulders and audible edge lines to the State's entire regional road network.

To date, nearly $1 billion has been invested into the program delivering upgrades to around 8,500 kilometres of the State's regional road network. That number is expected to grow to around 9,000 kilometres by the end of the 2024-25 financial year.

The Government will also invest additional funding into a number of new and existing transport initiatives including:

$53.6 million towards the replacement of the single-lane Brooking Channel Bridge in the Kimberley;

$38 million for the replacement of the Congdon Street Bridge;

$29.3 million for upgrades to regional and remote airstrips;

$18.7 million to replace Barrack Street Jetty One;

$10.3 million to permanently expand the routes for the Red and Blue CAT buses;

$10 million to expand school zone speed limits to all warden-controlled crossings;

$5.2 million to expand the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate scheme; and

$2 million for a feasibility investigation into an expansion of Perth ferry services.

Transport is also a key feature, with $125 million being allocated for a range of initiatives including:

$64.5 million for the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme;

$21 million for school students to access free public transport;

$20 million for free public transport for all SmartRider holders during the January 2024 Summer period and on Sundays; and

$20.3 million to increase the Regional Pensioner Travel Card by $100 (from $575 to $675), to further assist eligible pensioners in the regions with the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel.

For more information, visit 2024-25 State Budget (www.wa.gov.au).