Thousands spent to spread word on rail
The Western Australian Government is hiring consultants to tell the public about its $2.2 billion airport rail link project.
Outside help will be brought in to make sure people are “aware” the project is happening.
In fact, the tender documents for the rail project say a market research consultant will do surveys every six months to gauge “awareness and attitudes”.
The terms say the surveys will run for at least three years, with an option to extend them for two more.
The consultant will also to test the range and effectiveness of Government communications about the project, so that the message can be modified if needed.
The tender was issued by WA’s Public Transport Authority (PTA), but the group will not reveal the estimated budget for the research.
“It is inappropriate to reveal the estimated budget for the research as this would taint the tender process, resulting in a less-than-ideal outcome for taxpayers,” a PTA spokesperson stated.
“This type of market research ... monitors and responds to community issues throughout the life of the project, to ensure that our key community stakeholders are kept properly informed, with the ultimate aim of maximising patronage,” he said.
The state’s Opposition says it is a waste of taxpayers’ money, and that the Liberal Party should pay to “spin the project to the public to maximise ... political gain,” Shadow Minister for Transport Ken Travers said.