The WA Liberals have welcomed the Morrison Governments $1.1 billion investment in transport infrastructure saying it is an illustration of the Federal Government once again doing the heavy lifting when it comes to transport investment and WA’s COVID response.
“While the Morrison Government have invested more than $15 billion in WA transport infrastructure they have been let down by the poor performance of the McGowan Labor Government in the delivery of the Transport portfolio.” said Shadow Transport Minister, Libby Mettam.
“The McGowan Labor Government need to lift their game and get on with the building these job creating transport projects.
“Almost all METRONET projects which have so far missed every major milestone, with the overall blowouts for Stage 1 totalling more than $2 billion.
“This is backed by recent Main Roads annual report figures which illustrate that contracts did not meet targets in terms of timing or cost in a number of key areas.
“It is also disappointing that despite the Morrison Governments funding commitment towards Roe 8 and 9 the McGowan Labor Government continues to turn its back on addressing the congestion in the Southern suburbs and the creation of thousands of WA jobs.
“Whilst the Morrison Government has provided funding for the Morley Ellenbrook Rail, the McGowan Labor Government have failed to commit any funding after three budgets for what they call their signature transport project.
“Given the iron ore surplus, together with the heavy lifting of the Morrison Government and job losses across WA, is essential the McGowan Labor Government now match this opportunity with a commitment to deliver these job creating projects on time and as promised.” Mrs Mettam said.
Fast facts:
- Morley Ellenbrook Line was promised $863 million, currently the budget line is $1 billion. Construction was to start in 2019; contract to be awarded 2020.
- Yanchep line promised $386 million, now $531 million (38% increase). Construction was promised for 2019, major works now late 2020.
- Thornlie Cockburn line promised $474 million, now $716 million (51% increase). Construction was promised for 2019; major works now late 2020.
- Byford Rail extension promised $291 million, now $481 million (63% increase). Construction promised for 2021; final business case to be delivered by late 2020.
- The McGowan Labor Government has confirmed all of the above contracts which will form part of the OMTID will go to major tier 1 contractors (exception of Byford).
- The McGowan Labor Government have overseen the largest cost and time blowouts for rail projects in WA history.
- In three and a half years not a single centimetre of new rail has been laid by the McGowan Labor Government.
- WA Labor said in 2017 planning for Oats Street level crossing would start construction in 2019-2020 with value capture opportunities. Value Capture is now dumped and construction is unlikely this year.
- Metronet is becoming a West Australian project delivered largely by foreign contractors.
- Costs associated with the Morley Ellenbrook line include; $1 billion for MEL, $253 million for Bayswater Station, $200 million for MEL works in Tonkin Gap.