The Western Australian Government has announced the preferred proponent to design and construct the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook rail line, the biggest of four works packages delivering the project.
The MELconnx Consortium (Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction) has been named as the preferred proponent.
The contract includes the construction of the rail line as well as building five new stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.
The other three work packages are the New Bayswater Station Project, with early works underway, Tonkin Gap Project’s associated works, with design and planning underway and forward works contracts.
The much anticipated project will create thousands of local jobs and provide opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
Western Australian Premier, Mark McGowan, said the project was one of the government’s key election commitments, which the Ellenbrook community had fought long and hard for and he was pleased it was closer to being delivered as the final construction contract was only weeks away.
“This has been talked about for decades and is a big step forward for this project, which will transform Perth’s growing north-eastern suburbs and benefit the local and surrounding communities,” Mr McGowan said.
“Now more than ever, big infrastructure projects like METRONET’s Morley-Ellenbrook Line are imperative to Western Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery as it creates a pipeline of work and supports thousands of jobs.
“This year alone, we have seven METRONET projects underway and through our Building for Tomorrow program, we are creating lasting infrastructure for generations to come while creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses.”
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge, said the METRONET developments means jobs for hard-working Western Australians and financial stimulus for the state’s economy.
“All along the Morrison Government have said that METRONET will re-shape Perth and that transformation is underway,” Mr Tudge said.
“It means jobs right now and critical, targeted infrastructure for generations to come.”
Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the Ellenbrook community had been waiting for the train for years and the Western Australian Government is delivering on this vital piece of infrastructure.
“Perth’s north-eastern suburbs have boomed recently and the population is predicted to increase dramatically over the next decade,” Ms Saffioti said.
“We need to ensure our infrastructure keeps up with this growth – not only are we delivering on the much anticipated METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, we have also delivered key road upgrades including Northlink, the duplication of Reid Highway and the upgrade of Drumpellier Drive.
“The final construction contract is only weeks away – and with early works already underway at Bayswater Station and the Tonkin Gap project, getting works started on this project will bring our major infrastructure transformation in this area to life.”
Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, said the Morley-Ellenbrook Line will improve the lives of locals.
“Like many in my electorate, I am delighted that this project is finally moving ahead and I know it will make a significant difference to the everyday lives of those who’ve been waiting so patiently for it,” Mr Porter said.
“Once completed the Ellenbrook Rail Line will connect communities to jobs and services and unlock opportunities for business growth in our region.”
Spurring off the Midland Line at Bayswater Station, the Morley-Ellenbrook Line will run up the middle of Tonkin Highway, through land north of Marshall Road, along Drumpellier Drive and finish in the Ellenbrook town centre.
Final negotiations will now take place with the contract expected to be awarded in coming weeks.
The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line is jointly funded by the Federal and Western Australian Governments.
