Thornlie–Cockburn line
197. Ms Colleen Eganto theMinister for Transport:
I refer to the Cook Labor government's record investment in job-creating community infrastructure projects.
(1) Can the minister outline to the house how the opening of the Thornlie–Cockburn line builds on Metronet's momentum?
(2) Can the minister advise the house how this project delivers a more connected, equitable and prosperous Western Australia?
Ms Rita Saffioti replied:
(1)–(2) I thank the member for Thornlie for that question. Just under two weeks ago, we were at the Nicholson Road and Ranford Road stations and at other stations along the Thornlie line to officially open the Thornlie–Cockburn link. A number of members were out there celebrating a big day for the community. Of course, the member for Southern River has been there from day one. The member for Thornlie and all the other members, of which there were many, were there to celebrate what has been a transformational project for that area. We estimate that over 20,000 people came to the opening of that rail line. It is a very popular rail line. Why would it not be popular, with incredible new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road, an upgrade to the Cockburn station, a major overhaul of the Thornlie train station and extensions to the Perth Stadium station? We have done that to make sure that for people travelling to Optus Stadium to cheer on their team, whether it be the Dockers—or the Dockers!—it makes it easier to get to the game. On Saturday, when the Dockers played North Melbourne, I managed to go down and meet a number of passengers coming from that train. I missed the member for Southern River, who got there just before me, but I met up with the federal member for Brand, Hon Madeleine King. Thousands of people were catching that train. It makes it a lot easier for people in that area and as far down to Mandurah to get to the stadium station.
We have 1,400 car bays across the new stations, and 20 new bus routes. What I also think is heartwarming is that when you meet people catching the train—I went out on the train the Monday morning after we opened it—those ordinary people are sitting on the train, telling us just how it is transforming their lives. It is making it easier for them to get to work. It is making it easier for young kids to access their school. It is making it easier for people to move across the two rail lines, and it is giving people opportunities. This is what it is all about.
This train line will be there for the next 100 years or more. It is for the families in that corridor. It is giving people opportunities and access, and we are so proud that the public loves Metronet as much as we do. The turnout from the public—over 20,000 people that day—demonstrated what people think about this transformational infrastructure. As I said on the day: this is not about us; this is about future generations and making life easier for them.
