Western Australia has benefited from infrastructure commitments in this year's federal budget, with Treasurer Wayne Swan allocating $500 million over 10 years to help in the delivery of a major public transport project for Perth.
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As part of his $100 billion nationwide infrastructure blueprint, the Treasurer has committed to funding big projects around the country.
For WA, the budget stipulates that either the Perth Light Rail project or the construction of a new link to the city's airport will be funded.
The Government is also investing $900.1 million in Western Australia's regions through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, including $418.3 million for the Swan Valley Bypass and $307.8 million to improve the Great Northern Highway between Muchea and Wubin.
The 40km Swan Valley Bypass will have dual carriage highway for 15kms and single carriageway for 25 kilometres.
Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said $25.3 million would be brought forward to kickstart the project.
"We know there's more to be done, but this government is making the right decisions for the nation's future and across the length and breadth of Western Australia, building the infrastructure that will stand the test of time," he said.
In delivering his budget speech to parliament todayt, Mr Swan said the Federal Government would partner with the private sector and state governments to deliver critical infrastructure projects around the country.
"These investments will boost productivity, build capacity, improve safety and relieve congestion," he said.
"As well as improving the quality of life in our communities across the nation."
One of Premier Colin Barnett's major state election promises was the Swan Valley Bypass, but he is struggling to fund his election commitments thanks to dwindling coffers.
He committed $196 million towards the project at the state election, but he will have to match the Federal Government's pledge if he wants to see the bypass built.
Other WA infrastructure projects earmarked in the budget include upgrades to Tonkin Highway, leach Highway and the North West Coastal Highway.
This year's funding will also enable work to be completed on re-routing the Great Northern Highway to the north of Port Hedland's Wedgefield industrial estate and untangling rail and road access to Esperance Port.
