Planning to investigate a potential faster rail link between Bunbury and Perth is progressing, with consultants now on board to develop the project's strategic business case.
In partnership with MER Consult and Arup Group, KPMG has been awarded a $500,000 contract to produce the project's strategic business case, which will include evaluation of the potential economic, social and environmental costs and benefits of the project.
The proposal aims to improve public transport travel between Perth and Bunbury, with the existing Australind service trip taking two and a half hours.
Once complete, the strategic business case will help outline the economic and population conditions required for this future piece of transport infrastructure to be viable.
The Federal Government allocated $4 million in the 2020-21 Budget for high-level investigations into a faster train to Bunbury, with the State matching that investment.
Detailed planning work will continue throughout next year, with the strategic business case expected to be ready in mid-2024.
This is long-term planning for a fast train that, if the study finds it feasible, is still realistically many years away.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This contract award is an important step in the planning process for a potential future Bunbury faster rail service.
"The business case will use population data, travel patterns, land use planning and other metrics to assess the project's economic, social and environmental benefits, which will help guide us when making decisions about its development.
"This is a long-term project looking well into the future. The strategic business case is a first step in understanding what a faster public transport link between Perth and Bunbury might look like."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"A fast rail between Bunbury and Perth has been talked about for many years and I'm pleased that a McGowan Labor Government is taking steps towards assessing if this is a viable long-term plan.
"I am confident the total rail package we have created, including the Australind and its renewal, along with putting aside funding for the fast rail to Bunbury, signals a very positive rail future for Bunbury."
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"There are so many wonderful towns between Perth and Bunbury - Harvey, Pinjarra and Cookernup just to name a few - and a high-speed train will provide more access for locals and tourists alike.
"The awarding of this contract is the next big step towards investigating the concept of a high-speed train, with a business case due in mid-2024.
"Only the McGowan Government has a plan for the South-West region, including a plan for restoring the Australind to its former glory with new railcars to be made in Western Australia."
