❓ Questioning the Minister about potential waste of funds due to the Southern Rail Link project impacting recently completed bus lane works. The Minister defends the decision, citing existing contracts and strategic planning.
AnsweredQoN 239Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
SOUTHERN RAIL LINK, ADDITIONAL WORKS 239. Mrs HODSON-THOMAS to the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure: I refer the minister to the $29 million investment in the works being carried out on the express bus lanes and barriers in the middle of the Kwinana Freeway between the Narrows and Canning Bridges, and ask - (1) Is it true that these significant and costly improvements will be dug up soon after their completion to make way for Labor’s southern rail link? (2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
SOUTHERN RAIL LINK, ADDITIONAL WORKS
I refer the minister to the $29 million investment in the works being carried out on the express bus lanes and barriers in the middle of the Kwinana Freeway between the Narrows and Canning Bridges, and ask - (1) Is it true that these significant and costly improvements will be dug up soon after their completion to make way for Labor’s southern rail link? (2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(1) Is it true that these significant and costly improvements will be dug up soon after their completion to make way for Labor’s southern rail link? (2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
SOUTHERN RAIL LINK, ADDITIONAL WORKS
I refer the minister to the $29 million investment in the works being carried out on the express bus lanes and barriers in the middle of the Kwinana Freeway between the Narrows and Canning Bridges, and ask - (1) Is it true that these significant and costly improvements will be dug up soon after their completion to make way for Labor’s southern rail link? (2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(1) Is it true that these significant and costly improvements will be dug up soon after their completion to make way for Labor’s southern rail link? (2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(2) Is it true that the minister has in the past two weeks ordered that those works be completed at a further cost to Western Australian taxpayers of $4 million? (3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(3) Why did the minister not order those works to cease so as to mitigate the level of waste and expenditure that will result from Labor’s decision to redirect the southern rail link? Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN replied: (1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
(1)-(3) We have made it clear that the previous Government entered into a contract to construct a dedicated bus way between the Perth central business district and Canning Bridge. That project has been largely completed. We are committed to that project by virtue of the previous Government’s contract. Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Hodson-Thomas: Are you going to pull it down in two years? Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: I will explain the process to the member for Carine, as it is important that members understand. The vast majority of that work, as I have explained in this House ad nauseam - Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Edwardes: That is true. Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: That is only because the member for Hillarys’ side has had some difficulty - Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Edwardes: I am the member for Kingsley. That is the fifth time this week that I have told you that. Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: The member for Kingsley’s side is having difficulty coming to terms with this decision. I can understand the hurt and confusion of many of the members on the other side of the House, because they were duped by their transport ministers. They were led to believe that it would cost $800 million to take a rail link from Glen Iris to the centre of the city. That is the case only if one makes a strategic decision to not allow the rail link down the centre of the freeway and to preserve the freeway for a bus way. We made a strategic decision that we would not preclude rail from the centre of the freeway. That is why the calculations are so different. The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
The majority of the works on the bus way, such as those on the surface of the freeway, will be part of the rail formation. In any event, they are virtually complete and there is nothing we can do about them. They will continue. We had to decide whether to proceed with the construction of the off-ramp that will take the bus lane to Canning Bridge. We were uncertain that we would save a great deal of money by not proceeding with that, as all the design work had been done and the contractor was ready to pour the concrete. It was doubtful that we would save even $100 000 by ceasing that work. Therefore, we decided to continue with the work on the bridge, which will be used over the next four years by buses accessing the bus way. We figure that is a reasonable investment. It is also the view - Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Mrs Hodson-Thomas: So you will spend $33 million for four years. Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
Ms MacTIERNAN: The $33 million valuation is for the entire bus way project; we are talking about the bridge that will connect the bus way to Canning Bridge. That bridge will be in operation for at least the next four years. Within the planning that the Government has been doing, it is possible that this bridge will continue to have a use after the rail link has been established. The Government was unlikely to save very much money because the contract had already been signed, so it made the proper decision that the bridge would be used for the next four years. In any event, it is likely to have a use well beyond that. The Government made the strategic decision to proceed with that work, and that was a sensible decision.
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