Roads in Serpentine Jarrahdale are set to benefit from a new $1.5 billion Australian Government infrastructure package that will provide an injection into the economy and bring jobs back online.

Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie said getting shovels in the ground on local construction projects was important for maintaining jobs and economic growth in the Peel region.

“Every single job that we support makes a huge difference in local communities – now and as we navigate out of the pandemic,” Mr Hastie said.

“Of the different projects benefiting WA, the most significant for our region is a major upgrade to Thomas Road, between Nicholson Rd and the Kwinana Freeway.

“An additional kilometre of Thomas Road will be duplicated, along with the construction of a new roundabout. The remaining single carriageway of this section of road will also be upgraded. All this is in addition to the upgrade that was committed to last year at the Nicholson Road intersection.

“These new upgrades will cost $8 million; the cost being shared 50:50 by the state and federal governments.”

“Around 19,000 vehicles travel along Thomas Road every day, including a lot of heavy freight. Anyone who has travelled along this stretch of road knows how dangerous it can be – accidents happen far too frequently. So this upgrade is a very welcome development for our community.”

“Construction is expected to begin late 2020 and be completed by late 2021. It will support around 125 direct and indirect jobs during construction.”

“These types of infrastructure projects will be also particularly crucial for helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis has ended.”

• Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new package would fund shovel-ready infrastructure projects that can support local jobs immediately.
• “This funding will deliver critical infrastructure projects right across the country to help keep construction businesses running and people in jobs,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
• “$1 billion of this package will fund projects that can get underway now and over the next six months, to give an immediate boost to the economy and local jobs – right at the time we need it.

“The Government has already announced $500 million for local governments to support projects such as road safety improvements, maintaining community infrastructure and increasing accessibility.

 “This is part of our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline, which is laying the foundations of a financial bridge to recovery on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis.”

“These types of infrastructure projects will be particularly crucial for helping us bounce back after the COVID-19 crisis has ended by ensuring we have the safe transport connections needed for all of Australia to keep moving.