No progress on funding advance

Federal funding for the Albany Ring Road remains years off, with the State Government unable to convince Canberra to bring forward $140 million pledged for the project.

That claim, made by Premier Mark McGowan in Albany last week, came nearly five months after WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti pledged to push for the money to be made available before 2021-22.

Mr McGowan said the State wished to start work as soon as possible.

The Commonwealth’s $140 million commitment to the project linking Albany Highway and Princess Royal Drive came seven weeks out from the Federal Election.

It was included in the 2019-20 Federal Budget, but the money was not available until mid-2021.

Ms Saffioti said negotiations were continuing while the State developed its detailed plans for the ring road.

“Main Roads has been working with the Federal Government in regard to their cash flows for the project and negotiations are continuing on that front,” she said.

Ms Saffioti and Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson were locked in a public disagreement over who was responsible for securing Commonwealth funding for the project.

Mr Wilson previously suggested the State Government should begin the project with its committed $35 million while it waited for the Commonwealth money.