Published on Friday, 1 May 2020 at 3:36:14 PM
The EMRC has warmly welcomed WA Premier Mark McGowan’s announcement of new measures to support local and regional businesses and protect jobs during the COVID-19 emergency.
Up to $140 million of transport projects will be delivered, saving jobs and protecting the future contracting capacity of Western Australian businesses. A new State-wide Construction Panel will review buying rules, designed to minimise the costs of tendering for companies and maximise the spread of work among small and medium sized contractors.
EMRC Chairman Jai Wilson welcomed the State Government’s initiative as a significant vote of confidence in the future prosperity of Perth’s Eastern Region.
He said: “Mr McGowan’s announcement represents a major opportunity to help secure the future economic growth of Perth’s Eastern Region.
“Improvements to the region’s transport infrastructure will not only protect the regional economy but will also deliver significant benefits into the future. The measures secure planned investment which will significantly enhance the reputation of Perth’s Eastern Region as a great place to live, work, play and do business.”
The EMRC continues to champion a City Deal proposal to future-proof the region by helping secure major infrastructure projects aimed at creating sustainable economic growth. The State Government package closely aligns to initiatives detailed in the EMRC’s City Deal proposal.
Titled Connect Perth’s East and supported by its six member Councils, plus the City of Canning, Town of Victoria Park and Perth Airport Pty Ltd, the EMRC’s City Deal mirrors others across Australia, each of which promote productivity and liveability in their respective communities. Each City Deal aims to boost local growth by identifying and helping deliver major infrastructure improvements.
The EMRC has been working alongside both State and Federal governments to secure funding for major projects identified in the Perth’s Extended Eastern Region City Deal proposal.
As part of the State Government’s latest initiative, Main Roads will fast-track the tendering process for large-scale road projects worth $2.37 billion and estimated to create 13,000 jobs. Projects located in Perth’s Eastern Region include:
- Roe Highway/Great Eastern Highway/Abernethy Road - (budget $180 million) - 1,200 jobs
- Tonkin Highway Gap project (budget $290 million) - 1,050 jobs
- Lloyd Street Extension (budget $40 million) - 280 jobs
The full State Government package is summarised in a statement from Premier Mark McGowan available here.
Cr Wilson continued: “Delivering road projects through the new Construction Panel will assist contractors to plan ahead, saving both time and costs.
"This is strongly positive news as transport infrastructure will be a key part of our region’s economic recovery after the COVID-pandemic.”
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