Property Council welcomes Infrastructure Australia approval of METRONET projects
The Property Council of Australia welcomes the announcement that Infrastructure Australia has given the green light to two key elements of the State Government’s METRONET plan, confirming federal funding for the project.
Two more METRONET projects have passed through the Infrastructure Australia process, with the go-ahead given for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Yanchep Rail Extension. Infrastructure Australia has categorised the Yanchep extension as a high priority project and the Thornlie-Cockburn proposal as a priority project on the Infrastructure Priorities List.
Infrastructure Australia Acting Chief Executive Anna Chau said the METRONET program of rail projects is designed to address the problem of capacity constraints on Perth’s metropolitan rail network, which was previously highlighted on the Infrastructure Priority List as a Priority Initiative requiring action in the short term.
The announcement solidifies the Federal Government’s $700 million funding commitment towards the METRONET project, bringing much needed clarity for industry by indicating the project is well underway.
The Property Council is keen to see the success of the project and the resulting investment in new and rejuvenated sustainable communities connected to the broader Perth metropolitan area, through an expanded rail network.
The role of Infrastructure Australia in providing non-partisan review of infrastructure projects is effective and key to ensuring value for money from infrastructure spend. The Property Council is pleased that the McGowan Government has committed to a similar state-based infrastructure planning body, Infrastructure WA, and we urge all Members of Parliament to support its establishment. Investment in infrastructure is critical to growing the Western Australian economy, generating local jobs and supporting sustainable and vibrant communities.
Infrastructure WA will ensure investment is made in the right places and at the right time, by providing expert, independent advice to government.