FEDERAL Senator Slade Brockman and Guildford-based MLC Anthony Spagnolo have welcomed confirmation that agreement has been reached on a new design for the Lloyd Street Bridge.

However, they say the announcement comes four years after the project stalled and still leaves local families, businesses and commuters without the certainty they deserve.

Mr Spagnolo said the progress was welcome, but long overdue.

“After four years of delays, it is encouraging to finally see movement on this important project. However, a design agreement is only the first step. The community still has no certainty about when construction will begin or whether the funding is fully locked in.

“Midland is a major hub for the eastern suburbs and the hills. Every year this project has been delayed has meant more congestion, more frustration for commuters and unnecessary impacts on local businesses that rely on people being able to move around the area efficiently.

“The Liberal Opposition has consistently kept pressure on the Cook Labor government to explain why this project had stalled. Now that the design has finally been agreed, the government must get on with delivering it.”

Senator Brockman said the announcement also raised questions about the adequacy of both state and commonwealth funding.

“An agreed design is welcome, but it is not the same as a funded construction project.

“Western Australians deserve to know precisely how much commonwealth funding has been committed and, most importantly, when construction will commence.

“The Midland community has waited long enough. The state and federal governments must now commit to a clear construction timetable and guarantee the funding required to deliver this project, so it does not become yet another announcement without delivery.”