- Iconic
Whiteman Park tram to be extended to new METRONET train station
- Tram
extension will boost the number of tourists visiting Whiteman Park
- Project
delivered in collaboration with key industry partners using recycled materials
- Once
open, free trams to be provided until end of 2025
The Cook Government has today announced a major tourism boost for
Whiteman Park with the park's heritage tram line to be extended to the new
METRONET Whiteman Park Train Station.
The project will see a
new tram platform built just south of
the METRONET Whiteman Park Station, and the line extended east from the
existing heritage line within the park.
The tramway is an iconic piece of Perth's history and its extension to
the new train station will provide a unique way for local and international
tourists to access Whiteman Park.
The project will be constructed using approximately 85 per cent recycled
materials donated by industry partners, including from local projects such as
ballast and pole bracket arms from the New Bayswater Station project.
The extension of the heritage tram line will include 1.3 kilometres of
new tram line, 3,900 rail sleepers and 3,000 tonnes of ballast.
The State Government will invest around $1 million to deliver the
project - with donated materials and in-kind support from industry partners
significantly reducing overall costs.
Funding, donation of materials and labour is being provided by industry
partners including Acciona Construction, Allworks WA, Alstom, Arc
Infrastructure, BMD Constructions, Georgiou Group, Laing O'Rourke Australia
Construction, North Metropolitan TAFE and WA Limestone Contracting.
METRONET is also partnering with North Metropolitan TAFE to provide rail
industry students with hands-on training opportunities during project delivery.
The collaboration will deliver a purpose-built rail welding truck that
will be used on the project and to train future rail industry workers.
The new tram extension is expected to be in operation when the
21-kilometre METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line opens later this year.
To commemorate and celebrate the opening of the extension, free tram
rides will be provided until the end of 2025.
Comments attributed to
Premier Roger Cook:
"METRONET is transforming
our suburbs, and the Morley-Ellenbrook Line is powering ahead - creating local
jobs, slashing congestion and setting up our suburbs for the future.
"Western Australians love
Whiteman Park, and this project will help us to show off our beautiful
metropolitan bushland to more visitors, and more locals.
"It also great to see
this project being used to train up local apprentices for jobs in our rail
industry, as part of our commitment to boosting training opportunities for
future jobs."
Comments attributed to
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Preserving rail history
and providing a genuine rail heritage experience is important for visitors to
Western Australia and all of us who enjoy a day out at Whiteman Park.
"Delivering the
Morley-Ellenbrook Line provided us with an incredible opportunity to connect
people to Whiteman Park, and the extension of the heritage tram line will not
only deliver an incredible experience for families but also provide a unique
way for people to access the park.
"We're proud to be
working with the Perth Electric Tramway Society to connect the iconic Whiteman
Park heritage tram picnic areas and bushland that also connect an important
tourist attraction to a growing community precinct.
"The resources provided
by industry representatives, including the provision of recycled materials,
support our vision for providing more than just transport projects but
long-term legacies for our community and travellers to Western Australia.
"To celebrate the
historic tramway and its connection to the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, we
are providing free tram rides to Whiteman Park until the end of 2025."
Comments attributed to
Minister Assisting the Training and Workforce Development Minister Hannah
Beazley:
"North Metropolitan TAFE
is proud to partner with METRONET on this project, which will provide Western
Australians with an enhanced rail heritage experience and hands-on training for
our future rail industry workers.
"Aboriginal students from
North Metropolitan TAFE's Koomba Birdal (Big Spark) Program will gain practical
experience as part of their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure studies.
"Through the partnership
North Metropolitan TAFE will also receive a purpose-built rail welding truck,
which will provide students with modern equipment to train on, ensuring they
are job-ready when they complete their qualifications."
