Labor leader Mark McGowan visited the Nicholson Road level crossing on February 8 to highlight Labor’s commitment to remove a series of level crossings as part of the Metronet Plan.
Mr McGowan was joined by Labor candidate for Southern River Terry Healy and announced if elected in the March 11 state election Labor would start the Circle Line to help ease congestion in the area.
The line includes a $474 million extension between Thornlie and Cockburn and the 17.5-kilometre line would also include two new stations near Nicholson and Ranford roads.
Metronet stage one priorities would include four new rail lines, the removal of four level crossings, two new stations on existing lines and further upgrades.
Mr McGowan said Metronet railcars would provide a major boost to the local manufacturing industry, maximising jobs for West Australians.
“Our plan will ease congestion in the southern suburbs and create jobs in the southern suburbs,” he said.
“The Circle Line will allow east-west train travel for the first time and it will also help tens of thousands of commuters south of Cockburn get direct access to the new stadium without travelling into the CBD.”
Mr Healy said the announcement to include two new stations near Nicholson and Ranford roads would deliver world-class public transport for the people of Southern River and create jobs.
Member for Southern River Peter Abetz said Metronet would create more state debt.
“The Federal Government has made it clear they will not redirect the funds for the Perth Freight Link or Roe 8 and 9,” he said.
“This was Labor’s only plan to pay for Metronet therefore any further talk of Metronet is just hot air as they have no way to pay for it.
“As Liberals we have an integrated plan, that involves roads and traffic management and public transport.
“Selling half of Western Power, frees up $2 billion for infrastructure works such as roads and railways as well as $1 billion for updating our older schools.”
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