❓ Ms Freeman questions the Minister for Transport about the government's commitment to the Metro Area Express (MAX) light rail project, suggesting they have abandoned it in favour of buses. The Minister denies this, stating they are exploring the best solution, considering both rapid transport and urban renewal challenges.
AnsweredQoN 1004Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
METRO AREA
EXPRESS LIGHT RAIL — FEDERAL FUNDING
1004. Ms J.M. FREEMAN to the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the letter from the
minister's office in response to my letter regarding the Metro Area
Express light rail project and federal funding. The response, which focused on
using bi-articulated buses, argued that they are contestable. I quote —
There are significant issues
associated with constructing and operating new rapid transit systems safely and
efficiently �
Is this letter not proof that the
minister has completely walked away from his promise of light rail?
EXPRESS LIGHT RAIL — FEDERAL FUNDING
1004. Ms J.M. FREEMAN to the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the letter from the
minister's office in response to my letter regarding the Metro Area
Express light rail project and federal funding. The response, which focused on
using bi-articulated buses, argued that they are contestable. I quote —
There are significant issues
associated with constructing and operating new rapid transit systems safely and
efficiently �
Is this letter not proof that the
minister has completely walked away from his promise of light rail?
AnswerView source ↗
No, none whatsoever. We are utilising the time available,
which I have said before in this house, I do not know how many times. We want
to explore to ensure that we deliver the best possible solution for Western
Australia. I have said in this house that there is a challenge with light rail.
That challenge is capital cost for capacity.
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : With MAX light rail we are trying to deliver a common solution
for two different issues. The first is a rapid transport solution for people in
the outer suburbs, like Mirrabooka and Dianella, into the CBD as quickly as
possible so that they do not need to utilise cars and private transport. The
second is the urban renewal of inner-city suburbs. If we are going to shift
people in rapidly, those trams will need to move through inner-city suburbs at
around 50 to 60 kilometres an hour. When we sit down with the City of Vincent
and talk about urban renewal, it has this vision of a tram trundling through
like in Bourke Street Mall. That is not going to happen.
Mr
D.J. Kelly interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, I call you to order for the second time.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : These are the challenges that we face, and we have to find the
right solution.
Ms
R. Saffioti interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for West Swan!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : I have had support from the Premier; we have not walked away
from it.
Several members interjected.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : Mr Speaker, I do not think members opposite are really
interested in any answer and the solution to what fits Perth's
requirements. They are going over old ground here; they are obviously
struggling with current ideas with which to question the government. This is
information that we have been talking about for over 18 months now.
Mr
W.J. Johnston interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : If they were serious about it, they would ask some relevant
and up-to-date questions, which they appear incapable of doing.
Mr
W.J. Johnston interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : We have not walked away from the light rail solution. I am
utilising this time —
Mr
J.R. Quigley interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Butler, I call you to order for the first time. We have
had reasonable progress today.
Mr
P.C. Tinley interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Willagee, I call you to order for the first time.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : I am utilising this time to work through the best solution for
Western Australia.
which I have said before in this house, I do not know how many times. We want
to explore to ensure that we deliver the best possible solution for Western
Australia. I have said in this house that there is a challenge with light rail.
That challenge is capital cost for capacity.
Mr D.J. Kelly interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : With MAX light rail we are trying to deliver a common solution
for two different issues. The first is a rapid transport solution for people in
the outer suburbs, like Mirrabooka and Dianella, into the CBD as quickly as
possible so that they do not need to utilise cars and private transport. The
second is the urban renewal of inner-city suburbs. If we are going to shift
people in rapidly, those trams will need to move through inner-city suburbs at
around 50 to 60 kilometres an hour. When we sit down with the City of Vincent
and talk about urban renewal, it has this vision of a tram trundling through
like in Bourke Street Mall. That is not going to happen.
Mr
D.J. Kelly interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Bassendean, I call you to order for the second time.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : These are the challenges that we face, and we have to find the
right solution.
Ms
R. Saffioti interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for West Swan!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : I have had support from the Premier; we have not walked away
from it.
Several members interjected.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : Mr Speaker, I do not think members opposite are really
interested in any answer and the solution to what fits Perth's
requirements. They are going over old ground here; they are obviously
struggling with current ideas with which to question the government. This is
information that we have been talking about for over 18 months now.
Mr
W.J. Johnston interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : If they were serious about it, they would ask some relevant
and up-to-date questions, which they appear incapable of doing.
Mr
W.J. Johnston interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Cannington!
Mr
D.C. NALDER : We have not walked away from the light rail solution. I am
utilising this time —
Mr
J.R. Quigley interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Butler, I call you to order for the first time. We have
had reasonable progress today.
Mr
P.C. Tinley interjected.
The
SPEAKER : Member for Willagee, I call you to order for the first time.
Mr
D.C. NALDER : I am utilising this time to work through the best solution for
Western Australia.
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