Western Australia continues to benefit from the Morrison‑Joyce Government’s record infrastructure investment, with over $2.1 billion committed to the state’s infrastructure pipeline in this week’s Federal Budget.
As part of our plan for a stronger future, our Government is continuing to invest in projects that create jobs, keep commuters and freight safe and moving, and drive economic growth.
With investments in new and existing infrastructure projects in every state and territory, the Government’s national rolling 10‑year infrastructure investment pipeline will increase from $110 billion to over $120 billion, a new record.
Key new projects funded in Western Australia in the 2022–23 Budget include:
- $145 million for the Thomas Road – Dual Carriageway – South Western Highway to Tonkin Highway and interchange at Tonkin Highway
- $140 million for Regional Road Safety Upgrades
- $100 million for the METRONET: Morrison Road Level Crossing Removal
- $50 million for the Tonkin Highway – North Ellenbrook Interchange
- $48 million for the Moorine Rock to Mt Holland Road Upgrades
- $40 million for the Newman to Katherine Corridor Upgrade ‑ Great Northern Highway Upgrade ‑ Newman to Port Hedland Overtaking Lanes
The Budget also includes additional funding for existing projects, including:
- $320 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (Stages 2 and 3)
- $200 million for the Tonkin Highway Stage 3 Extension
- $178 million for the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation – Stages 1 and 2
- $135 million for the METRONET: Thornlie‑Cockburn Link
- $116 million for the METRONET: High Capacity Signalling
- $90 million for the METRONET: Yanchep Rail Extension
This brings the Coalition’s total infrastructure investment in Western Australia since 2013 to more than $20.2 billion across 152 road and rail infrastructure projects, with 50 projects having been completed in the period.
Australian Government‑funded transport infrastructure projects currently under construction in WA will support around 28,500 jobs over the life of the projects.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s record infrastructure investment was keeping Australians moving and supporting thousands of local jobs across the country.
“A strong economy means a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“Continuing to provide record future funding for road and rail projects is a key part of our economic plan for the long term to keep our economy strong.
“By investing in these projects we are delivering the infrastructure that the Australian economy needs to grow, to get Australians home sooner and safer, and generate thousands of jobs and new opportunities for small businesses right across the State.
“Australia’s future success relies on a strong economy. Our strong economic recovery is being driven by our record funding for major road projects right across the country.
“Our investment in these infrastructure projects will support more than 5,500 direct and indirect jobs in Western Australia over the construction life of these projects, providing certainty and security for businesses and communities across the State.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is building the infrastructure that will make our nation and economy stronger.
“We are investing in projects that will drive the growth of industries that generate the wealth our nation needs to become as strong as possible as quickly as possible,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Getting more commodities to ports and sending them overseas will generate more export income, making our nation wealthier and stronger. Better roads and infrastructure will enable that.”
Western Australian Senator and Attorney‑General Michaelia Cash said funding these projects are critical for Western Australia’s development and growth.
“This $2.1 billion investment builds on the billions that the Coalition Government has already invested and will continue to do so because of our sensible and practical management of the nation’s finances,” Senator Cash said.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said infrastructure is a key pillar of our economic plan to grow the economy and get more Australians into work.
“With the unemployment rate already at an equal 48 year low, the measures in this Budget will create an additional 40,000 jobs across Australia, building on our world leading economic recovery,” the Treasurer said.
“By enhancing transport connectivity, we’re strengthening our supply chains against challenges such as COVID‑related disruptions and the impact of natural disasters. This gives businesses and consumers the confidence and certainty they need in uncertain times.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this investment would support sustainable growth across Western Australia.
“Our Government has a strong track record in delivering infrastructure that improves connections, reduces congestion and helps keep Australians moving, particularly across our fast growing urban centres,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This includes investing in city‑shaping projects like METRONET, with the funding in this Budget bringing the Federal Government’s total investment to more than $3.7 billion across 16 METRONET projects, which are expected to support over 18,000 jobs.
“What this means for Perth commuters is less time spent in traffic and more time with loved ones, and the ability to move around more easily for work, which has a positive economic and productivity impact while helping to secure long‑term prosperity and liveability.”
For more information on investments in Western Australia, visit the Infrastructure Investment Program website.