In this Budget, the Rudd Labor Government is investing $421 million in Western Australia's road and rail infrastructure - an investment that will support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession.

All up, the 2009-10 Budget delivers an increase in federal funding of $19 million, or five per cent, over the 2008-09 Budget for Western Australian road and rail projects.

As well as putting in place the modern, well-planned transport infrastructure vital to the State's and the nation's long term prosperity, our record investment program will support jobs and provide an immediate stimulus to local economies.

During 2009-10, work will start on a range of major road and rail projects including:

• Mandurah Entrance Road - construction is expected to start in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2010.


• Stage One of the Great Northern Highway upgrade at Port Hedland - construction is expected to start in 2009 and is scheduled for completion by 2010.


• The duplication of the Dampier Highway between Karratha and Dampier - construction is expected to start in 2009 and is scheduled for completion by 2012.


• The grade separation of the Reid Highway and Alexander Drive intersection - construction is expected to start in 2010 and be completed by 2011.

At the other end of the construction cycle, the following major projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2009-10:

• Kwinana Freeway extension and the Forrest Highway.


• Final stage of the Great Northern Highway upgrade between Lennard Street in Middle Swan and Muchea.


• The upgrade and realignment of sections of the Great Northern Highway between Muchea and Wubin.


• Stage One of the Bunbury Port Access Road.


• Construction of three new bridges and rehabilitation of sections of the Great Northern Highway in the Kimberley region.


• Extension of Ocean Reef Road.

On top of the additional money for upgrading poorly designed and congested sections of the State's road network, we are funding a range of initiatives designed to improve road safety:

• $13.1 million to eliminate 48 dangerous black spots on local roads.


• $9.4 million to install boom gates and other safety measures at 62 high risk level crossings.


• $1.2 million to address the lack of safe, modern roadside facilities for truck drivers, including new and refurbished rest stops, parking bays and decoupling areas.

Our investment doesn't stop there.

The Rudd Labor Government will provide $141.4 million to maintain and upgrade local roads in Western Australia. Much of this funding will be paid to 139 councils in the State.

The Government is working to strengthen the Australian economy during this global recession. By developing well designed transport networks we are contributing to higher productivity and rising living standards.

That's why the Government is investing so much with such urgency.

Funding for the programs and projects listed above is being delivered under the Rudd Labor Government's six year, $26.7 billion Nation Building Program to which the Western Australian government has signed up.