❓ Opposition questions the government's decision to postpone funding for Indian Ocean Drive, contrasting it with the Mandurah rail line project. The government defends its budget priorities, citing commitments to health, education, and community safety, and highlighting the benefits of the rail project.
AnsweredQoN 991Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Prior to the 2001 election Indian Ocean Drive was a funding priority. Under this Government funding for the road has been postponed indefinitely and now withdrawn. Considering that a July 2002 Main Roads brochure indicated the completion of the road by mid 2005, it is difficult to understand why no funds were allocated towards the completion of the road in this year’s budget. (1) Why were no funds allocated for the completion of Indian Ocean Drive in 2003-04? (2) Please advise whether the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure misled regional Western Australians about the time frame for the completion of the road? (3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD
AnswerView source ↗
(1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(1) Why were no funds allocated for the completion of Indian Ocean Drive in 2003-04? (2) Please advise whether the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure misled regional Western Australians about the time frame for the completion of the road? (3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(2) Please advise whether the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure misled regional Western Australians about the time frame for the completion of the road? (3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(1) Why were no funds allocated for the completion of Indian Ocean Drive in 2003-04? (2) Please advise whether the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure misled regional Western Australians about the time frame for the completion of the road? (3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(2) Please advise whether the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure misled regional Western Australians about the time frame for the completion of the road? (3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(3) What plans does the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure have for compensating regional Western Australians and businesses for the $700 million worth of projects that have been put on hold until the completion of the road? (4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(4) How does this Government justify spending $1.2 billion on the rail line to Mandurah that few people, least of all regional Western Australians, will use despite the fact that Indian Ocean Drive will see a positive and high return on investment? (5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(5) Was the rail line to Mandurah given higher priority than Indian Ocean Drive when the budget was drafted? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: (1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(1)-(3) The importance of the proposed road link between Lancelin and Cervantes is recognised. However, the Government has an obligation to meet its key election commitments to increase funding for health, education and community safety. In order to achieve this, it has been necessary to make reductions in other areas, including parts of the road program. In preparing this year’s budget, a decision had to be made between reducing funding to local governments or deferring road projects by the State on local roads. In order to maintain an adequate level of funding for local government through the regional road groups at levels earmarked in last year’s forward estimates, it has been necessary to defer the Lancelin to Cervantes road project. The road is a designated local road. The decision was not taken lightly but will mean that a number of local government road and safety improvement projects across the State can now proceed as a result of the maintained funding levels to regional road groups. The Lancelin to Cervantes road remains a high priority and work is continuing on project planning and obtaining the required clearances and approvals to enable the project to commence as soon as funding is identified. The Minister for Planning and Infrastructure will be working closely with the groups that have a direct interest in the development of the Lancelin to Cervantes road to explore alternative funding options to enable the project to proceed at the earliest possible time. (4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
(4) The member does not appear to have any understanding of the importance to Western Australia of public transport generally, and the railway to Rockingham and Mandurah specifically. There will be significant environmental benefits from the fast, direct railway. The most important measure of immediate environmental health is Perth’s air quality. As well as greenhouse gases, vehicle emissions within the metropolitan area produce nitrous oxides, particulates, photochemical smog, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. The electrified rail system will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day and will produce negligible amounts of these pollutants in the metropolitan area. There are also significant social benefits from the fast, direct railway. People in the south west metropolitan region will have easy access to a range of employment, health, education, commercial and entertainment facilities around the metropolitan area. The question that also needs to be asked is how much will it cost if the Government does not build the railway. The successful northern suburbs railway, built by a Labor Government despite conservative opposition, currently carries approximately 30 000 people each day. This is equivalent of 25 000 motor vehicles each day. What would be the cost of providing road infrastructure to cater for the motor vehicles if a first-class railway were not in place? The fast, direct railway to Rockingham and Mandurah will carry the equivalent of 20 000 motor vehicles each day when it comes into operation in 2006. If we do not provide a first-class railway that encourages people to use public transport, we will not be able to afford the road infrastructure that will be required to cater for the growth in the use of motor vehicles. There are also significant economic and employment benefits to Western Australia. It is estimated that design and construction of the Mandurah to Perth railway will stimulate more than 6 000 jobs in Western Australia over the next five years. In addition, the railway project will inject almost $700 million directly into the Western Australian economy, which will generate still more economic activity. Further, on a per capita basis, 15 per cent more is spent on regional public transport than in the metropolitan area. The member should note that nearly $70 million is being spent on new public transport rolling stock and buses for regional Western Australia. (5) The Gallop Government went to the last election with a clear commitment to deliver a first-class rail system to Rockingham and Mandurah and that commitment was delivered. The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
The PRESIDENT: I apologise to all members with questions remaining to be asked. I am now required to interrupt question time.
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