Government committed to Mandurah rail link: Premier

3/08/00
Premier Richard Court says the announcement of a cornerstone investor for AlintaGas is a significant step forward in providing a financial boost for the Perth-to-Mandurah railway.
The State Government this week announced that Utilicorp United Inc and United Energy Limited consortium had successfully bid $319.5 million - including stamp duty - for the right to become the 45 per cent shareholder and cornerstone investor in the soon-to-be-sold Western Australian gas utility AlintaGas.
The remaining 55 per cent of the utility will be sold through a public float.
Mr Court said that while the State Government was totally committed to the Mandurah rail link, it was premature and not financially responsible to identify how proceeds would be exactly utilised until they were known and received.
"The simple fact is that we do not have the money yet and the funds will not be available until the float is completed around the middle of October," Mr Court said.
"It is ludicrous for this financially responsible attitude to be portrayed by the Labor Party as a lack of commitment to the rail project.
"What the ALP cannot stomach is that we have actually carried out a significant amount of work on the planning and construction of the rail link - while Labor's only contribution when in Government was empty promises.
"Even on the current construction timetable, by the end of next year more than $40 million will have been spent on works associated with the South-West Metropolitan line."
Mr Court said that initiatives already under way included:

• significant progress in the construction of the Kenwick Rail Tunnel which allows the Mandurah line to connect with the Perth-Armadale line;

• work has begun on relocation of the existing northbound carriageway 10 metres to the west (for a distance of

15 kilometres from just north of Kwinana to Jandakot) to provide space for the rail line;

• work has begun on the Berrigan Drive flyover that takes into account the rail line. Contracts have also been let for similar traffic bridges at Beeliar Drive, Russell, Rowley and Anketell roads;

• the design includes provision for rail tunnels at Glen Iris and Anketell;

• land has been purchased at Nicholson Road for a railway station; and -

• legislation clearing the way for the construction of the South-West Metropolitan Railway passed through State Parliament last year.

"There can be no doubt that the Coalition is committed to extending the rail link to Mandurah," Mr Court said.
Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475