ARMADALE RAIL LINE — WILLIAM STREET LEVEL CROSSING
240. Ms H.M. BEAZLEY to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the McGowan Labor
government's success in securing federal funding commitments for its
job-creating infrastructure program, including Metronet.
(1) Can the
minister update the house on the work underway to remove level crossings along
the Armadale line, including the commitment it has been able to secure from
federal Labor towards the removal of the level crossing at William Street?
(2) Can the
minister outline to the house what the removal of this level crossing will mean
for those travelling through the area?
Ms R.
SAFFIOTI replied:
I thank the member for Victoria Park
for that question.
(1)–(2) Of
course, Metronet currently is employing 10 000 people from across the suburbs
for projects across the state. It was with great pride that today we secured a commitment
from Anthony Albanese, the federal Leader of
the Opposition, for further funding for Metronet for, in this case, the removal
of the level crossing in Beckenham. As
members will know, we have secured commitments to remove five level crossings
in Victoria Park and Cannington at Wharf Street, Hamilton Street, Welshpool
Road, Oats Street and Mint Street. Of course, that will also include
four new train stations. Today, we were able to secure further funding from the federal opposition for Beckenham,
which will involve a brand new station in Beckenham and the removal of
the level crossing, which will facilitate further housing developments in that
area. Those who know that area already know that there has been some
development, but this will allow us to further develop by creating new homes
and opportunities in very close proximity to a brand new station that is
connected to the city.
People in that area know that those
boom gates are down a lot. It was incredible during today's press conference. The boom gates come down 266 times per
day. We were there for, I think, nearly an hour and we heard them going
constantly. We know that without this investment, when the Thornlie–Cockburn
Link is introduced into the network,
this situation would get a lot worse. This will be the last of the level
crossings between Beckenham and the Thornlie–Cockburn line and
the city that will need to be done to not only address the worst areas now, but
also prevent them from becoming worse in the future.
It was a good announcement. It was
great see the federal opposition leader here yesterday and today. Of course,
Anthony Albanese has a strong record of delivering infrastructure in Western Australia
and for not only fighting for infrastructure, but also delivering —
Several members interjected.
Ms R. SAFFIOTI: Are you
catching up with Barnaby Joyce when he is here, member for Moore? I know the Leader of the Opposition is not. The Leader of the
Opposition said that she will not catch up with the Deputy Prime Minister. At least we can stand with our side of
politics and be proud of its record of delivery and what it will invest
in the future. I welcome the member for Moore to stand next to Barnaby Joyce,
the Deputy Prime Minister, when he comes into town. I cannot wait to see him do
that!
As I said, Anthony Albanese has a strong
record as a minister for infrastructure—the Perth City Link, the Great Eastern
Highway and Great Northern Highway projects. He has a strong history of
delivery, with the underground bus station and NorthLink projects. Member for
Moore, I cannot wait to see you stand next to your federal counterparts. I was
very proud to be in Beckenham today standing next to the federal opposition
leader.
Mr R.S. Love interjected.
The SPEAKER: Order, please!
Ms R. SAFFIOTI: Are you
okay, member for Moore?
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: Order, please!
The minister has sounded like she was drawing her answer to a conclusion
several times, but for some reason —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: Order, please!
Thank you, Leader of the House. The minister had been drawing her answer to a conclusion,
and I was potentially about to call the opposition to ask another question, but
you appear intent on delaying that by interjecting on the minister.
Ms R. SAFFIOTI: Thank you. I
hope you are okay, member for Moore. Anyway, it was a great day, with another
commitment from the federal opposition, and it was with great pride that we
were standing there today with, hopefully, the future Prime Minister of
Australia.