Thursday 4 May 2017

WA Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds has called on the State Government to make funding the extension of the Thornlie rail line a priority and adopt the former Barnett government’s already well-advanced plans.

Senator Reynolds said she had written to Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester to advocate for partial Commonwealth funding and also Premier Mark McGowan asking for the project to be prioritised.

“The 17.5 kilometre extension of the Thornlie rail line would link Thornlie train station to Cockburn Central, providing an efficient transport option for commuters in Perth’s rapidly growing south-east metropolitan suburbs,” Senator Reynolds said.

“This rail connection would link the outer south and east metropolitan region of Perth, both of which have high concentrations of skilled workers, as well as vocational training centres and fabrication, manufacturing and industrial centres.

“This connection would also enhance access to the Australian Marine Complex, home of Western Australia’s thriving shipbuilding industry and our growing defence sector.”

Senator Reynolds said the project was the first priority in the RAC’s 2017 federal priorities for WA.

She said the project also had bipartisan support at the last state election.

“The former Barnett Liberal Government had already fully costed this critically important project and had begun the necessary first stage of grade separating the crossing at Nicholson Road in Canning Vale,” she said.

“WA Labor supports the extension and included it in their Metronet policy, which is yet to be costed and developed.

“I’m calling on the McGowan Government to commit to making the Thornlie extension component a priority by adopting and funding the existing plans.”

Media enquiries:
Amy Blom 08 9368 6633, amy.blom@aph.gov.au (Senator Reynolds)