SWAN RIVER CAUSEWAY
BRIDGE
65. Ms H.M. BEAZLEY to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the McGowan Labor
government's record investment in transport projects across WA,
including cycling infrastructure such as the new Swan River Causeway bridge.
Can the minister update the house on the work being done to deliver the new
Causeway bridge, including how this important project will support local jobs
and Western Australian businesses?
Ms R.
SAFFIOTI replied:
I thank the member for Victoria Park
for the question, which I think is her first question.
Ms H.M. Beazley: Yes.
Ms R. SAFFIOTI: Thank you,
member for Victoria Park.
We are seeing unprecedented
expenditure on our cycling network across the state. Throughout regional areas
and the suburbs, we are delivering a significant boost to cycling expenditure.
I acknowledge the member for Thornlie for his work to promote cycling
throughout Western Australia. A number of projects have been completed. The
Mitchell Freeway principal shared path, member for Balcatta, has been
completed. The Armadale Road PSP has also been completed. Members for Armadale
and Jandakot, thank you very much. Of course, a lot of projects are underway.
Stage 2 of the Fremantle–Perth PSP is underway. I note that the member
for Cottesloe is a big supporter of that project. I thank him for his support
for that project because acknowledging good things helps members get
re-elected, member for Cottesloe. Look at that! Stage 1, of course, of the
Fremantle–Perth PSP has been completed. Stage 2 is underway and,
ultimately, both stages will connect the PSP right through to Fremantle. As
part of our election campaign, we committed to improving the cycling network
throughout Hillarys, member for Hillarys. Member for Geraldton, a significant
boost—I am looking for the member for Geraldton —
Dr A.D. Buti: They're
everywhere!
Ms R. SAFFIOTI: It is very,
very hard to keep track of where everyone is in this chamber. Geraldton will
receive a significant boost and I know the member for Geraldton is a big
supporter of investment in cycling infrastructure throughout Geraldton.
The new Causeway bridge principal shared pathway is causing a
lot of excitement out there. More recently, we announced that two tenderers are
going through to the next stage; they are Civmec and Decmil. Civmec was a key
producer of the beautiful Matagarup Bridge, a bridge that we supported; we
brought its production back to WA so that it
was locally produced. Remember that Liberal Party members criticised the work
on that beautiful bridge. This new
Causeway Bridge will take more than 3 000 cyclists a day. The existing Causeway
takes more than 3 000 cyclists and
pedestrians a day. This will be a major boost to cycling and support places
such as Victoria Park and South Perth, member for South Perth, and the
city, member for Perth. It is a great new initiative. We will be announcing the
successful contract in the next six months. It will be an iconic bridge across
the Swan and will help connect both sides and make cycling and walking even
more attractive to more people in WA.