Question regarding cost increases and timelines for the Cockburn-Thornlie rail project, with the government attributing the cost increase to inaccurate initial estimates. The government confirms the project is funded by both state and commonwealth, with a completion date of 2021.

AnsweredQoN 2114Legislative Assembly
Asked
10 October 2017
Portfolio
Transport; Planning; Lands

QuestionView source ↗

Given the Premier's election commitment for the Cockburn-Thornlie rail project was valued at $474 million investment with a completion date of 2021 and that the project has now come in at an estimated cost of $535.8 million including $112.8 million in 2021-22, I ask: (a) why has the cost increased by an estimated $61.8 million for this project; (b) will the additional cost come from other projects or become part of the State's debt; (c) when is the expected completion date for the project; (d) what is the cost and expected completion date of the Nicholson Road station; and (e) what is the cost and estimated completion date of the Ranford Road station?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
23 November 2017
Responded by
Minister for Transport; Planning; Lands
Response time
14 days
(a) The pre-election policy commitment of $474m was based on the best source of detailed information available to the then Opposition at the time of the election.
The new State Government has accepted a new estimated cost for this project in the 2017/18 State Budget.
It is also noted that the Opposition’s costing was based on the Government’s costing at the time. It was thought that the Government has used fully escalated costs in its commitment. That proved incorrect and therefore had an impact on the cost of the project.
(b) The project is being funded by the State and Commonwealth Governments.
(c) 2021
(d)-(e) Nicholson and Ranford Road stations are included in the total project cost, with completion expected in 2021.

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