A cash boost to an existing Perth city deal between the federal and West Australian governments will help construction work start sooner, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.
The additional funding for the multi-billion dollar deal between the two governments was announced on Thursday during Mr Morrison's first visit to the state since its border restrictions ended.
Both governments will provide an extra $49 million for the new Edith Cowan University CBD campus and an extra $25 million for the new Swan River Bridge.
The federal government had already committed $245 million for ECU and $25 million for the bridge.
This means the total value of the Perth city deal is $1.69 billion, including funding for Perth cultural attractions, a CBD transport plan and Curtin University.
Mr Morrison said the additional funding will address construction and labour market issues, allow design improvements, and enable more manufacturing work to be done locally.
"This injection into the Perth city deal means boots on the ground and tradies on site even sooner, with major works expected to start later this year," he said.
The bridge across the Swan River is now expected to cost $100 million, double what was announced at last year's state election.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti blamed the blowout on increases in steel and manufacturing costs.
"That's what we're seeing across a lot of projects across the state," she told reporters.
"The percentage of the project that is actually steel is a lot higher than other projects, that's why we've seen some significant costs.
"It has been very hard to predict and budget because of the changing prices."
Labor's federal member for Perth Patrick Gorman earlier appeared to disparage the campus project, despite it being in his own electorate and being welcomed by his state counterparts.
"Don't be fooled by Morrison's expensive new building. The Liberals have done huge damage to WA universities," he posted on Twitter.
Asked about the post, Ms Saffioti said it was the state government's responsibility to secure federal project funding.
"Everyone chooses to campaign in different ways," Ms Saffioti said.
"If that's his method of campaigning, I'll let him campaign in that way."
