PUBLIC TRANSPORT — METRO AREA EXPRESS LIGHT
RAIL
110.
Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Transport:
(1) Please
confirm that the Liberal election promise for the Metro Area Express light rail
system is only partially funded by the state government.
(2) As the
federal opposition leader, Mr Tony Abbott, announced last month that a
coalition federal government would not continue to fund urban rail projects,
how will the state government proceed with its promised light rail plan in the
event that no commonwealth funding is available after the federal election?
(3) Which
alternative funding models other than commonwealth funding is the minister
considering to establish a modern, fast and efficient light rail network in
Perth?
(4) Will the
minister undertake to investigate alternative funding models in order to
deliver with some urgency at least some light rail transport options for Perth
commuters who will face increasing congestion as the population of Perth
continues to grow?
Hon JIM CHOWN
replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question. The Department of Transport advises —
(1)–(4) As
previously announced, Metro Area Express light rail will be funded through
state, federal and private sector contributions.