Quay delivers benefits above and below

• Major capital works investment in CBD infrastructure nearing completion
• Elizabeth Quay one of many projects to future-proof Perth

• The project will create more than 400 jobs during the construction phase

Divers are spending hours under water beneath Perth's CBD as they help to future-proof vital infrastructure as part of the first stage of the Elizabeth Quay project.

The divers are working to upgrade the city's main stormwater drain - just one of the infrastructure projects taking place below ground.

Planning Minister John Day said the upgrades were a key component of the first stage of Elizabeth Quay and would pave the way for the construction of the inlet, which was on target to commence within weeks.

"The work currently under way will lay the foundation for Elizabeth Quay, and at the same time boost water, drainage and power infrastructure to meet the needs of the city for decades to come," Mr Day said.

"This work will ensure that essential services to the wider CBD, and eventually the precinct, can cater for our growing population.

"The city's main stormwater drain is being realigned and upgraded with commercial divers spending up to four hours per dive modifying the drain to enable the new connections, one pipe at a time. 

"Other works include the installation of a new water main, the laying of extra conduit to carry power services and construction of 13 large underground power pits.

"Another major benefit of the Elizabeth Quay project is the construction of a new city-bound traffic link from Point Lewis Rotary (under the Narrows Bridge) to William Street. This stretch currently only accommodates westbound traffic but is being modified to provide an alternative route into the city." 

The Minister said Elizabeth Quay would create more than 400 jobs during the construction phase - and help generate private sector investment in WA's economy.

"The Elizabeth Quay project is creating jobs and investment for Western Australia - and ultimately we expect to recover much of the upfront cost when land sales around the inlet are finalised," he said.

"Once complete, Elizabeth Quay is expected to be the workplace for some 10,000 people. It will contain more than 800 residential apartments, 200,000sqm of office space, and 25,000sqm of retail space

"The State Government's $1.75billion commitment to Elizabeth Quay, Perth City Link, Riverside and the Perth Cultural Centre will generate more than $9billion in private sector investment for Western Australia's economy."

         Fact File

• Elizabeth Quay is on time and on budget. The construction of the public realm and inlet are scheduled for completion in mid-2015

• More than $250million in major construction contracts have now been awarded

• The $200million Managing Contractor contract has been awarded to a partnership between Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd and Broad Construction Services Pty Ltd. They will begin onsite soon

• There has already been considerable private sector interest in the project and the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority is finalising the evaluation of detailed proposals for a 5-star hotel and residential development at Lots 9 and 10

• More information is available at http://www.elizabethquay.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 6200