Forrestfield-Airport Link enabling bill passed

• Legislation passed by State Parliament
• Royal assent of the Bill to occur within weeks
• Formalises plans for an 8.5km rail link to Forrestfield and Perth Airport

A major milestone in the development of a rail link from the city to the airport and Perth's eastern suburbs was achieved last night when State Parliament passed enabling legislation for the $2 billion Forrestfield-Airport Link.

The Legislative Council passed the Railway (Forrestfield-Airport Link) Bill 2015, which establishes the State Government's authority to extend the metropolitan rail network 8.5 kilometres to Forrestfield.

Transport Minister Dean Nalder said the construction contract would be awarded next year and the first trains would run on the line in 2020.

"This project won't just open up a new rail corridor to Perth's eastern foothills - it will also provide a direct rail connection to the airport for all West Australians," the Minister said.

The rail link will connect with the existing Midland line near Bayswater Station and will run to Forrestfield through underground tunnels, to ensure minimal impact on the existing land and road network.  The project is the transport solution to improve connections to and from Perth Airport, the eastern suburbs and regional centres.

The next step before this Bill becomes law is the royal assent of the legislation by Governor Kerry Sanderson.

The Public Transport Authority has hosted a series of information sessions along the rail route.

"I attended one of the sessions at Forrestfield myself, and it was great to see how the community is right behind this game-changing project," Mr Nalder said.

The PTA has also recently conducted research which shows that more than 80 per cent of local residents feel positive about the project.

Fact File

• Project will link eastern suburbs to CBD via two twin-bored tunnels under Swan River
• Three new stations: Airport West (Belmont), Consolidated Airport and Forrestfield
• For more information, visit http://www.forrestfieldairportlink.wa.gov.au    

Minister's office - 6552 6400