A proposed train station in Mandurah's northern suburb of Lakelands could be a step closer after Canning MP Andrew Hastie pledged $25 million to the project.
Joined by the federal minister for cities, urban infrastructure and population Alan Tudge, Mr Hastie made the announcement at a community meeting in Lakelands on Monday afternoon.
The cash boost comes after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed $10 million towards the station on March 8 and following former Liberal leader Malcolm Turnbull's $2 million pledge for a business case in 2018.
This brings the Morrison Government total commitment to this project to $37 million, including business case funding.
While the $25 million is an election pledge, the federal Coalition's previous commitments will be delivered no matter who wins the upcoming election on May 18.
The station will close the 23-kilometre gap between the current train station at Mandurah and Warnbro.
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Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the election promise was "all about busting congestion on our roads and getting people home sooner and safer".
"We want people to be spending less time in traffic and be doing what's important to them - spending time with family and friends," Mr Tudge said.
Mr Hastie said it was an issue that was first brought to his attention buy Lakelands residents in 2016.
Since then, the high-profile conservative said he has been lobbying all levels of government to make the station a reality.
"The clear message I've received from the people of Lakelands over the last three years is to get this station built. I've fought in Canberra to make that happen and the federal government has been with our community every step of the way," Mr Hastie said.
"Today's announcement brings the Morrison Government's commitment to the Lakelands Train Station to $37 million."
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Hastie criticised the state government for prioritising the proposed Karnup Train Station over one in Lakelands.
"I know many of you have been waiting more than a decade for that to happen. If you want the station built - vote for me," he told onlookers.
"Meanwhile, WA Labor is ignoring our community and calling Lakelands a station that 'no one needs'.
"If you want someone to fight for you, to get it built in the coming years - I'm your man. I'll make sure that Labor eventually submit to people power.
"There are plenty of people who are on the record in support of Lakelands, including the member for Mandurah.
"The choice at this election is clear - only a Morrison Liberal Government is committed to building a train station in Lakelands.
"Our funding is in place - all we need is the WA government to get on board and commit the final funding to this critically needed project."
City of Mandurah mayor Rhys Williams was also at the community meeting and thanked the federal member for his advocacy.
"I just want to acknowledge you both [Mr Hastie and Mr Tudge] for being here. It's something that you have fought really hard for. I think, for a project most of us thought was dead in the water to now see this sort of investment into our region, is a real asset," Mr Williams said.
For more Mandurah Mail coverage in the lead up to the election, follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul.
Got a tip? Get in touch with her through caitlyn.rintoul@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
