❓ Question addresses the Swan River Crossings project, seeking an update on progress, alignment decision, and benefits to local jobs and economy. The Minister provides an update on the preferred alignment, community consultation, and project benefits.
AnsweredQoN 319Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SWAN RIVER CROSSINGS
PROJECT
319. Ms K.E. GIDDENS to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the McGowan Labor
government's record investment in job-creating transport projects,
including the $230 million Swan River crossings project that will replace the
old and deteriorating Fremantle Traffic Bridge. Can the minister update the house on the work underway to deliver this
project, including the decision on the preferred alignment for the new
bridges, and can the minister outline to the house how this project will
support local jobs, local businesses and the local economy?
PROJECT
319. Ms K.E. GIDDENS to the Minister for Transport:
I refer to the McGowan Labor
government's record investment in job-creating transport projects,
including the $230 million Swan River crossings project that will replace the
old and deteriorating Fremantle Traffic Bridge. Can the minister update the house on the work underway to deliver this
project, including the decision on the preferred alignment for the new
bridges, and can the minister outline to the house how this project will
support local jobs, local businesses and the local economy?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Bateman for
that question. Yesterday I joined the Premier, the member for Fremantle, the
member for Bicton and, of course, the federal member for Swan as we announced
the preferred alignment for the new Swan River crossing. This new bridge will replace
what is a very, very old bridge that needs replacement. We will be introducing
the new traffic bridge; two new rail lines to service the passenger network for
generations to come; new dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths; and, of
course, we will also make it easier for boaties to navigate through the waters.
This bridge will be delivering for motorists, public transport users, cyclists
and pedestrians. Basically, we have it all covered. The only thing it does not
have is a landing strip!
This is a very complicated project
to deliver. As I said, there are a number of constraints and a number of
different users, and, of course, there have
been a number of false starts on this project in the past. Many people will
remember the soap opera that played out around the funding and then
defunding of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge. The member for Fremantle will be
happy to know that all she had to do was ask for the funding for this bridge.
We have undertaken a lot of
consultation to get this bridge right. Of course, we have taken feedback from
the community. Originally, there was an eastern alignment; we changed the
alignment to minimise the impact in north Fremantle. We have been working with
the community and the council about the alignment and also about the retention
of part of the existing bridge. For example, if the council wants to take some
ownership and manage that in the future as a community asset, we will be very,
very keen to do that. As part of this project, we will also be lighting up that
bridge. Members know that I love lighting up bridges, but I will make a commitment
that this one will be permanently lit purple!
that question. Yesterday I joined the Premier, the member for Fremantle, the
member for Bicton and, of course, the federal member for Swan as we announced
the preferred alignment for the new Swan River crossing. This new bridge will replace
what is a very, very old bridge that needs replacement. We will be introducing
the new traffic bridge; two new rail lines to service the passenger network for
generations to come; new dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths; and, of
course, we will also make it easier for boaties to navigate through the waters.
This bridge will be delivering for motorists, public transport users, cyclists
and pedestrians. Basically, we have it all covered. The only thing it does not
have is a landing strip!
This is a very complicated project
to deliver. As I said, there are a number of constraints and a number of
different users, and, of course, there have
been a number of false starts on this project in the past. Many people will
remember the soap opera that played out around the funding and then
defunding of the Fremantle Traffic Bridge. The member for Fremantle will be
happy to know that all she had to do was ask for the funding for this bridge.
We have undertaken a lot of
consultation to get this bridge right. Of course, we have taken feedback from
the community. Originally, there was an eastern alignment; we changed the
alignment to minimise the impact in north Fremantle. We have been working with
the community and the council about the alignment and also about the retention
of part of the existing bridge. For example, if the council wants to take some
ownership and manage that in the future as a community asset, we will be very,
very keen to do that. As part of this project, we will also be lighting up that
bridge. Members know that I love lighting up bridges, but I will make a commitment
that this one will be permanently lit purple!
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