Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

The Australian and Western Australian governments are getting on with delivering world-class infrastructure by today releasing the Perth Freight Link business case summary. 

The Perth Freight Link will create a new high standard freight connection between the Roe Highway and the Fremantle Port, reducing transport costs and improving efficiency in heavy vehicle movements. 

The project is expected to cost $1.5 billion, with the Australian Government committing $925 million and the Western Australian Government $650 million.  Part of the State Government’s contribution will be covered from a heavy vehicle distance-based charge from Muchea to Fremantle Port. 

Minister for Finance and Senator for Western Australia Mathias Cormann said the business case summary sets out the significant benefits the Perth Freight Link will deliver to Western Australia. 

“The business case shows that the Perth Freight Link delivers an overall positive cost benefit ratio of 2.8, providing benefits of more than $3.9 billion to Western Australia, including $2.5 billion in travel time savings and $840 million in reduced vehicle operating costs,” Minister Cormann said. 

“Importantly, it is expected to create 2,400 construction jobs, providing a vital employment boost for Western Australia.” 

Premier of Western Australia Colin Barnett said the project was a valuable addition to the local area, reducing freight traffic and improving safety on local roads.

“This is an important project for residents within Perth’s southern suburbs who will feel the impact of rapid growth in coming years,” Mr Barnett said.

“I’d like to acknowledge the significant contribution of the Commonwealth to this project which is important to the whole transport network of the State,” he said.

“When complete, the project is expected to remove 500 trucks a day from Leach Highway, resulting in improved safety, reduced noise and enhanced amenity on local arterial roads. 

“I am delighted we are making headway on this project and that the public can now see a summary of the business case online.”

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs said the Perth Freight Link was an essential project that will boost efficiency for freight operators. 

“The business case highlights why this project is good for motorists and the Western Australian economy,” Mr Briggs said. 

“This project will save freight operators almost 10 minutes and over $8 per trip between Fremantle and Kwinana Freeway. 

“Together with the Gateway WA and NorthLink WA projects, the Perth Freight Link will deliver a purpose-built freight route between Muchea and Fremantle – a distance of 85 kilometres.” 

Western Australian Minister for Transport Dean Nalder said he was looking forward to the completion of the project in mid-2019.

“This is a significant step towards a stronger Western Australia,” Mr Nalder said.

“We can now advance the process of project development and tendering, after which construction can begin in early 2016.

“I am looking forward to the inevitable safety and efficiency improvements this upgrade will bring.”

The Perth Freight Link business case summary will become available on Thursday 18 December 2014 on the Main Roads Western Australia website.