Building money could come from WA drivers
The WA Government wants to bring in a congestion tax to raise revenue for new infrastructure projects.
The new tax is expected to be included in the budget mid-year review, due later this month, after receiving the nod of approval from the state Cabinet.
It is understood that the tax will be added to vehicle registration.
Early reports say the congestion bill will be about $100 for motor vehicle owners and $100 or more for trucks.
There are some concession options, but with at least 2 million registered vehicles in the state, the tax is set to rake in tens of millions of dollars a year.
West Australians are bracing for a big hit after Premier Colin Barnett last week warned that the mid-year review would reveal a rough financial state, and that a deficit could not be avoided.
The congestion charge was first recommended by the state’s Economic Regulation Authority, which said the scheme had become a solid money-maker in London and Singapore.
When the idea was raised earlier this year, Transport Minister at the time Dean Nalder said it would not be considered.
But support is strong in some sectors, with the Australasian Railway Association also calling for initiatives such as a congestion charge, expect it wants the money used for public transport projects.
It appears more likely that the funds will be funnelled into new infrastructure projects the State Government has promised.
Key Liberal election promises including the $2.2 billion Airport Rail Link project, a rail line from Bayswater to the airport and other plans will struggle to find funding any other way.