Perth's East Wanneroo and orbital rail lines move forward in federal planning
Infrastructure Australia added East Wanneroo and orbital rail proposals to its pipeline. These could get federal funding in five to 10 years.
Infrastructure Australia finished checking Perth rail expansion plans. It added them to its priority list for investment.
The East Wanneroo train line would connect the Morley-Ellenbrook and Yanchep rail lines. It would run along the future Whiteman-Yanchep Highway.
A separate orbital route would link the Thornlie-Cockburn line through Murdoch, Booragoon, UWA, Shenton Park and Stirling to Morley. Perth's population is forecast to grow from about three million in 2024-25 to 4.9 million by 2065-66.
Rail patronage is expected to triple by 2051. The proposals would improve access to housing, jobs and education.
They would ease congestion by supporting greater public transport use. The state government's immediate priority remains rolling out high-capacity signalling upgrades across the existing network.
- 3 million to 4.9 million by 2065-66
- Population growth forecast
- Expected to triple by 2051
- Rail patronage growth
- 50,000 new homes over 50 years
- East Wanneroo homes planned
- More than 15 billion dollars since 2017
- Prior rail investment
Why it mattersA city growing from three to five million people needs transport. It must connect homes to jobs. These rail links address that growth pressure.
AustraliaWestern Australian commuters could eventually see expanded rail reaching outer suburbs and key employment hubs as the city grows significantly.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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