Messages from present-day political leaders to future generations, along with a pictorial history of the area surrounding Perth’s main railway station, are amongst the mementos sealed in a time-capsule and entombed for posterity as part of festivities to mark the start of major construction on the visionary Perth City Link project.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said in partnership with the State Government and the local council, the Federal Labor Government is investing in the future of Perth.
“Our vision is a modern, vibrant metropolis befitting Perth’s status as the capital of the West,” said Mr Albanese.
“What’s more, this project is a great example of our historic decision to invest Federal funding in modernising and extending our nation’s urban public transport infrastructure.  Indeed, we’ve already committed more to this task than all our predecessors since Federation combined.
The work now underway is jointly funded, with the Federal Labor Government contributing $236 million and the remainder being provided by the State Government and the City of Perth.
Representing Mr Albanese at today’s celebrations, West Australian Senator Louise Pratt said the sinking of the railway line will reunite the City’s retail district with its Northbridge entertainment precinct.
“This is a great day for Perth and all its residents,” said Senator Pratt.
“With funding from a Federal government determined to play its part, an idea long talked about is now on its way to becoming a reality.  Once completed, this project will make Perth an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
In addition to the City Link project, the Federal Labor Government is also investing in other projects in Perth, including the upgrade of the roads around the Airport and nearby industrial estates ($350 million); the widening of the Great Eastern Highway from Kooyong Road to Tonkin Highway ($280 million); and the upgrade of the interchange between the Great Eastern and Roe highways.