Early works start on Thornlie-Cockburn link

Work has started on the state government’s $716 million, 32 kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Link, but the Liberal opposition claims the Metronet project is two years behind schedule and its cost is blowing out.

Premier Mark McGowan, Planning Minister Rita Saffioti, federal Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge were on hand today to celebrate the start of early works on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.

The Thornlie to Cockburn link will connect the Armadale and Mandurah train lines and is the first east-west connection on the Perth train network.

CPB Contractors and Downer’s joint venture, the NEWest Alliance, officially signed a $1.25 billion contract today to carry out the works, with the project bundled in with the Metronet Yanchep rail extension project.

The state government said the cost of the Thornlie-Cockburn line had been revised to $716 million, up around $180 million from its initial budget.

Mr McGowan said the revised cost had been offset by the Metronet railcars project coming in $347 million under budget.

The revised cost was attributed to relocating third party infrastructure, improved wages for workers, minimising network disruption and meeting environmental requirements.

Mr McGowan said 2020 was shaping up to be a defining year for Metronet construction.

“Perth will have six Metronet projects under construction at once, creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local business.

“Our Metronet projects, along with our unprecedented investment in upgrading our road network, will give residents a new public transport option and reduce their time spent in traffic, which means they can spend more time with family and friends.”

However, opposition spokesperson for transport Libby Mettam described the budget change as “yet another Metronet fail”.

“The Thornlie-Cockburn line was meant to be finished in 2021 and is now two years behind schedule,” Ms Mettam said.

“Just like Yanchep and Ellenbrook rail, construction has been delayed by the McGowan Labor government - holding up federal funding and construction jobs.

“The Forrestfield-Airport Link is also beset with problems and has been delayed nearly two years under this government with the first train not expected to run until the end of 2021.”