METRONET —
ARMADALE RAIL LINE — PERTH–BUNBURY FASTER RAIL BUSINESS CASE
101. Hon JAMES HAYWARD to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the
Armadale line closure and the Perth–Bunbury faster rail business case.
(1) In light of
the announcement that the Armadale line will close for 18 months, will the
upgrades to the line include considerations for faster rail to Bunbury?
(2) If yes to
(1), what consideration has been given to the Australind service as part
of the Armadale line upgrades and will they result in faster travel times to
Bunbury?
(3) Why has the
minister approved upgrades to the Armadale line when the $8 million Perth–Bunbury
faster rail business case has not yet been completed?
(4) Is the
current upgrade to the Armadale line indicative of a McGowan government
preference to use the Forrest Highway route for a faster rail service to
Bunbury?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
(1)–(2) The
Bunbury faster rail business case process is ongoing.
(3)–(4) It
is unclear why the member believes that works on the Armadale line, including
the removal of level crossings, the Byford rail extension and connecting the
line to the Thornlie–Cockburn Link, should not take place until the
Bunbury faster rail business case is complete.