Western Australia has come away from the 2024-25 State and Federal Budgets with a healthy amount of funding for key projects, many of them relating to freight and road transport.
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.
Key projects include the METRONET infrastructure program, Regional Road Safety Program, Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations driver training program and the development of Westport.
“Our Government is absolutely focused on ensuring we deliver a better transport system for the WA community, with significant investment across regional Western Australia and in Perth over the next four years,” said WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.
The WA Government announced $7.2 million to help train truck drivers, as part of its Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations initiative, with an additional 500 places added to the program between now and 2027.
Western Australia will also benefit from a substantial $33.5 million commitment from the Australian Government’s 2024–25 Budget, to support the development of Westport.
The announcement promises big things for Westport, which will act as the cornerstone of future trade expansion in Western Australia. The new port and revamping of vital road, rail, and logistics networks, is set to prime the state for growth.
Funding will progress the planning of the construction of Westport, including upgrading Anketell Road West, widening the Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway, and boosting freight rail capacity – all aimed at facilitating smoother, more efficient trade flows.
In a joint statement with the Prime Minister, The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the project will support Australians by planning for the future.
“We are working for all Australians to deliver significant infrastructure that increases opportunities and connections, builds communities and improves safety,” Ms King said.
“The hard work we undertook to clean up the mess in the infrastructure pipeline means there is room to deal with ongoing cost pressures and plan for future projects.”
Early road freight corridor planning for Westport shows improved movement for freight vehicles and enhanced safety for local road users in Western Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the state the “economic engine room of Australia” and explained that “this Port will be a critical hub”.
“We are committed to building a Future Made in Australia and this project is an example of how we are doing that,” Mr Albanese said.
The investment of $33.5 million, matched by the state, brings the total planning phase funding to $67 million.
