Zaneta Mascarenhas MP
Federation Chamber, Parliament House, Canberra
Constituency Statement
Today I want to talk about Swan, its future and what it looks like under a Labor government. Thanks to Labor, Swan's future is looking bright not just for some but for everyone.
Let's start with the new bridge. It's not just any bridge. It's Perth's newest pedestrian and cycling bridge, Boorloo Bridge, which is opening on Sunday 22 December, just in time for Christmas. We're planning big community celebrations for this opening. In my mind it's a party to christen this super exciting new landmark. The iconic bridges will carry the name Boorloo Bridge, honouring the Whadjuk Noongar culture and Perth's rich history. People in Swan and surrounding areas in Perth have been watching the bridges take shape every day, in particular Gerry Prewett, who is an avid walker and who has been taking photos regularly and sharing them with the community.
Soon people will be able to enjoy the great new places and spaces the bridge will provide. They will be able to pause, rest and enjoy. The bridges will also make for a quicker and safer route for people to get in and out of the city. Honestly it is stunning; it is really impressive. I'm sure that it is not just Perth locals will use the bridges; people from all across the world will come to Perth to walk across these new bridges. This is possible thanks to Labor's focus on improving active transport and making Perth a super exciting place to visit. This project wasn't just about a bridge; it was also about jobs. Around 700 people were employed to bring the bridge to life, thanks to funding from the Albanese and Cook Labor governments.
Let's talk about the train line. Metronet is changing Swan for the better. During construction, the raising of the rail has created 4,300 jobs for locals, and now we're seeing the next big step. The state and federal governments have unveiled a final master plan for the spaces elevated under the Metronet Armadale line. It's a really long park, so it's called Long Park. It's six hectares of new public open spaces, and here's what's coming: four new playgrounds, one of which will be called Puggle Park, two nature trails and play spaces, two youth plazas, skate parks, fitness parks, dog parks, and walking and cycling paths. There will even be spaces for pop-up cafes and community events. This is going to see space that has been wasted in the past being activated and opened up to the community. I can't wait to see it come to fruition. Swan is better because of Labor.
