WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti handed down her first State Budget on Thursday, with a $3.2 billion budget surplus underpinned by iron ore royalties.
Roads Australia welcomes the significant increase in infrastructure investment, with a record $12.1 billion investment in 2024-25 to boost the state’s economy and meet future demand.
$11.8 billion was allocated for new road, rail and transport infrastructure projects, including $4.8 billion allocated over the next four years to continue delivery of the METRONET program and associated level crossing removals.
Key initiatives include:
- $116 million for Westport, including for early marine, civil and road works to transition container
- $373 million investment in port facilities across the State, including delivery of the Dampier Bulk Handling Facility, plus upgrades to maintain capacity and resilience of infrastructure.
- $240 million for key freight routes including the Brooking Channel Bridge, Bunbury Outer Ring Road, Albany Ring Road, and improvements to Great Northern Highway in the Kimberley and the Pilbara.
The Treasurer confirmed that a total of $13.4 billion will be invested on the State’s roads over the forward estimates, to upgrade and maintain existing roads, manage the network and undertake future planning. This will include $4.5 billion of investment in regional WA.
Acknowledging the recent impact of market capacity constraints, the Government has also set aside additional funding for unavoidable cost increases for labour, equipment and key materials.
Premier Roger Cook said: “My Government is investing in transport infrastructure to set up our State for decades to come, and this Budget continues our strong track record of delivering for our future.
“Right across WA we’re investing in our road network, including billions of dollars for major regional road projects and upgrades, improving road safety and cutting travel times for regional Western Australians.”
The Budget papers also highlight welcome efforts to create job opportunities for First Nations people on the state’s major road projects. More than 250 local Aboriginal workers are engaged on the new Fitzroy River Bridge project.
More than 100 Aboriginal graduates completed the Yaka Dandjoo employment program, which provided training and work placements on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.
To view the Budget papers, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/