WA to use GST compo for airport train line

WA's $490 million compensation payment for getting a low GST share will be used to help pay for the new train line to the airport.

Western Australia's recent $490 million present from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to offset a low GST share will go towards its $2 billion airport rail project.

Premier Colin Barnett said on Thursday the government had finalised negotiations on the design and construction of the Forrestfield-Airport link, which will provide public transport to the airport and is due to open in 2020.

Mr Turnbull earlier this month pledged a one-off $490 million to make up for having the nation's lowest GST share.