Labor pledges $50m for train, economy

Improving transport options in Bunbury and investing millions in Collie’s Futures Fund is Opposition Leader Mark McGowan’s plan if successful at the next State election.

In Bunbury yesterday, Mr McGowan announced a $20 million plan to develop economic opportunities in Collie and $30 million for a no-stop Australind train from Bunbury to Perth.

“We want to improve transport options for people in the South West and improve accessibility for tourists,” Mr McGowan said.

“Investigation of a fast train to Bunbury is a longer term project and the Australind train is achievable in the shorter term.

“Part of the plan is to bring the station back into the Bunbury CBD as well.”

The creation of affordable tourist packages is also part of the $30 million to attract more visitors to the region.

Mr McGowan said the upgrade of the Australind train and introduction of tourist packages would create hundreds of jobs.

The Collie Futures Fund would develop economic opportunities, while finding new ways to use coal, which would always be part of the town, he said.

Nationals Party State president and Bunbury candidate James Hayward said it was fantastic the Labor Party was recognising the need for improved transport in the region, but he was unsure where the money would come from.

“I am not sure where he will be finding this money if Western Power is not sold. The Nationals have a plan to fund infrastructure and a proposed new revenue stream,” Mr Hayward said.

“It is an interim step to update the Australind service, the reality is the big picture needs to be considered and that is a fast train from Bunbury to Perth.

“Replacing the train does not create jobs or get the State moving. The fast train would create jobs into the future.”

After Mr McGowan’s presentation at a Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries luncheon yesterday, chamber chief executive officer Ray Philp said the announcement was a realisation of how important Collie was to the Bunbury Geographe region.

The Australind train upgrade was a realistic option which could be done in the short term.

“The train could have significant positive impacts on the region and more people would use it as a faster, direct service,” Mr Philp said.

“From a business perspective it would be more comfortable and user friendly, especially with wi-fi capabilities and tourists would have better options of times, bringing more people into the region.”