TIMING OF 'COMPLEX, EXPENSIVE' PERTH FREIGHT LINK STILL UNCLEAR: PREMIER

source: abc news

TIMING OF 'COMPLEX, EXPENSIVE' PERTH FREIGHT LINK STILL UNCLEAR: PREMIER

Photo: The Roe Highway in Perth will be extended under State Government plans to build a freight link.
(ABC News: Andrew O'Connor)

Continuing uncertainty over the timing of the Perth Freight Link to Fremantle will not be resolved until construction contracts are signed, WA Premier Colin Barnett has told Parliament.

The State Government has been under pressure over conflicting estimates from Transport Minister Dean Nalder, and repeated statements by the Premier suggesting construction of stage two to the Fremantle Port may be delayed.

Flanked by Federal Finance Minister Matthias Cormann, Mr Nalder told reporters at the weekend that the project would begin construction next year.

Senator Cormann reiterated that view, but within 24 hours Mr Barnett had again suggested the timeline was ambitious and may not be met.

In Question Time today, Opposition Transport spokeswoman Rita Saffioti pushed the Premier for an answer.

"We will know, when we get to the point of determining a route, of having all the necessary approvals in place, having the contracts signed, and construction commissioned," Mr Barnett said.

"And no-one can put an exact timing on that. No-one can."

ABC has more to report on this story HERE