MEDIA RELEASE
14 November 2024
CAUSEWAY PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST BRIDGES SET FOR DECEMBER OPENING WITH NEW OFFICIAL NAME
Perth’s newest pedestrian and cyclist bridges will open just days before Christmas on Sunday 22 December, with a community and family friendly evening event being planned to celebrate the opening.
Once open, the new iconic bridges will be officially named – Boorloo Bridge – in recognition of the Whadjuk Noongar culture and rich history that has been embedded into the design of the bridges. The meaning of the new name reflects the Noongar Name for Perth – Boorloo.
Two, six-metre-wide cable-stayed bridges have been built over the Swan River, 90 metres downstream of the existing Causeway Bridge, with a six-metre-wide segregated path which will significantly improve connectivity, safety and amenity for around the 3000 pedestrians and cyclists heading in and out of the city each day.
The one-kilometre-long river crossing will connect Victoria Park foreshore, via Heirisson Island to Perth. The area around the bridges will have unique public art, new seating and rest points allowing visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. A significant relandscaping effort has also been undertaken with around 90,000 native trees, plants and shrubs planted around the new bridge.
The bridge includes a 52-metre-high boomerang pylon along with two 46-metre-high digging stick pylons, which can now be seen among the Perth CBD skyline. The bridge will also feature state-of-the-art lighting, which will be capable of displaying moving images and provide the Swan River with an iconic structure for many decades to come. Construction of the bridges began in 2023, with the works undertaken by the Causeway Link Alliance, comprising Civmec, Seymour Whyte, WSP and Main Roads.
Jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian governments, the project has supported around 700 jobs. More details about the free community event will be announced in the coming weeks.
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Premier Roger Cook:
“Recognising and integrating a Noongar name for such an important active transport route, honours the Whadjuk Noongar people and their connection to the land.
“This project has been part of our significant investment for the Perth CBD, transforming our city into a modern and vibrant destination for Western Australians, tourists and visitors.
“The new bridges will deliver safer journeys into the city for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“The iconic Boorloo Bridges will provide better transport connections for those choosing active transport for their journeys in and out of Perth.”
“The opening in December will be an historic moment for Perth, and an exciting opportunity for community members to see and experience their city from a new perspective.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Cities Jenny McAllister:
“The Albanese Government is committed to making our cities vibrant, liveable and connected.
“Our Government has provided a new and safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists whilst creating a wonderful new landmark for Perth.
“I am excited to see this project come to fruition for the people of Perth and tourists visiting Western Australia.”
Quotes attributable to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The name – Boorloo Bridges – is a fitting way to acknowledge the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage in the area and was selected after consultation with the Matagarup Elders Group, Local Government and other key stakeholders.
“The new structures are set to become Western Australia’s most iconic bridges creating an incredible new safer river crossing for thousands of pedestrians and cyclists daily, removing the need to use the old footpath on the Causeway Traffic Bridge.
“This new infrastructure will make walking and cycling safer and more convenient, encouraging people to adopt more active transport modes to travel in and out of the CBD.
“Additionally, the areas around the bridges will create inviting spaces for recreation and enjoyment, particularly on Heirisson Island, the Victoria Park and Perth foreshores.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
“This is a fantastic early Christmas present for the people of Perth. Jingle bells and bike bells will ring across the Swan River with 3000 pedestrians and cyclists who will benefit from these bridges every day.
“This project would not have happened without the $70 million commitment from the Albanese Government.
“I thank the 700 people who worked to make this bridge a reality.
“Making Perth a more family-friendly city and turning our local values into national results.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:
“People in Burswood, Victoria Park and surrounding suburbs have been watching the bridges take shape every day, and now they will be able to enjoy the great new places and spaces the bridges provide to pause, rest and enjoy the bridges and their surrounds.
“The bridges will make it quicker and safer for people to get in and out of the city and will be an iconic new landmark on the skyline.
“This is possible thanks to Labor's focus to create local jobs and improve active transport, making Perth an exciting place to visit.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Perth John Carey:
“The name – Boorloo Bridges – highlights the importance of Aboriginal place naming in Western Australia.
“As a strong advocate for my community, to be able to influence and strengthen community bonds through names with important linkages and meanings like these to our local communities is really important.
“These iconic new bridges will serve as a transformative gateway to Perth, encouraging more people to visit the CBD while providing a safer and more pleasant river crossing for thousands of pedestrians and cyclists.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley:
“The new bridges will serve as a crucial connection between Victoria Park, Matagarup (Heirisson Island), and Boorloo (Perth City). They will enhance connectivity between our inner-city suburbs and the Perth CBD
“Our Government’s investment in this initiative will encourage more people to walk, wheel and ride in and around the CBD and Victoria Park, boosting vibrancy and liveability.”
14 NOVEMBER 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Robinson 0403 953 162
