WHITEMAN Park will get a huge tourism boost with the park’s heritage tram line to be extended to the new Metronet Whiteman Park train station.

The project will see a new tram platform built just south of the Whiteman Park station, and the line extended east from the existing heritage line within the park.

The tramway is an iconic piece of Perth’s history and its extension to the new train station will provide a unique way for local and international tourists to access Whiteman Park.

The project will be constructed using approximately 85 per cent recycled materials donated by industry partners, including from local projects such as ballast and pole bracket arms from the New Bayswater Station project.

The extension of the heritage tram line will include 1.3 kilometres of new tram line, 3,900 rail sleepers and 3,000 tonnes of ballast.

The state government will invest around $1 million to deliver the project – with donated materials and in-kind support from industry partners significantly reducing overall costs.

Funding, donation of materials and labour is being provided by industry partners including Acciona Construction, Allworks WA, Alstom, Arc Infrastructure, BMD Constructions, Georgiou Group, Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction, North Metropolitan TAFE and WA Limestone Contracting.

Metronet is also partnering with North Metropolitan TAFE to provide rail industry students with hands-on training opportunities during project delivery.

The collaboration will deliver a purpose-built rail welding truck that will be used on the project and to train future rail industry workers.

The new tram extension is expected to be in operation when the 21-kilometre Morley-Ellenbrook line opens later this year.

To commemorate and celebrate the opening of the extension, free tram rides will be provided until the end of 2025.

Premier Roger Cook said Metronet is transforming our suburbs, with the Morley-Ellenbrook line is powering ahead – creating local jobs, slashing congestion and setting up our suburbs for the future.

“Western Australians love Whiteman Park, and this project will help us to show off our beautiful metropolitan bushland to more visitors, and more locals.

“It’s also great to see this project being used to train up local apprentices for jobs in our rail industry, as part of our commitment to boosting training opportunities for future jobs.”

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said preserving rail history and providing a genuine rail heritage experience is important for visitors to Western Australia and those who enjoy a day out at Whiteman Park.

“Delivering the Morley-Ellenbrook line provided us with an incredible opportunity to connect people to Whiteman Park, and the extension of the heritage tram line will not only deliver an incredible experience for families but also provide a unique way for people to access the park.

“We’re proud to be working with the Perth Electric Tramway Society to connect the iconic Whiteman Park heritage tram picnic areas and bushland that also
connect an important tourist attraction to a
growing community precinct.”

Minister assisting the Training and Workforce Development Minister Hannah Beazley said Aboriginal students from North Metropolitan TAFE’s koomba birdal (big spark) program will gain practical experience as part of their Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure studies.

“Through the partnership North Metropolitan TAFE will also receive a purpose-built rail welding truck, which will provide students with modern equipment to train on, ensuring they are job-ready when they complete their qualifications.”