Labor’s $20m harbour vow

WA Labor will pledge $20 million towards the planning of an outer harbour in Cockburn Sound if it gains power in next year’s State election.

Party leader Mark McGowan reiterated his support for an alternative to the Barnett Government’s Perth Freight Link last Sunday.

His Freight and Trade Plan includes construction of an outer harbour in the Kwinana region to complement the continued use of Fremantle Port and a potential redevelopment of South Quay.

The City of Kwinana has been pushing for a port in Cockburn Sound.

Mr McGowan said the Government should halt work on the freight link until after the election.

“This is a real plan for Perth’s long-term transport needs, designed to fix congestion on our roads, increase liveability in our suburbs and provide long-term economic infrastructure to drive our economy and create jobs,” he said. “We cannot go through the next decades without a real plan for the outer harbour. It’s why I again call on the Government not to sign any Perth Freight Link contracts before the State election.”