Hundreds of thousands of early votes cast in WA election

Good morning readers, and welcome to our live news blog for Thursday, March 6. We have an exciting lineup of stories for you today, ranging from crime statistics to transportation plans and football predictions. Let’s dive in and explore the day’s most important updates.

### Rising Crime Rates in Key Suburbs
Making headlines today is another instalment in WAtoday’s analysis of police crime statistics, revealing which suburbs have seen a significant jump in crime rates over the past year. According to the data, several suburbs have experienced a rise in crime of more than 50 percent, with Glen Forrest, Harrisdale, Hilbert, Oakford, Parkerville, and Stoneville leading the pack with increases of over 80 percent. This concerning trend has raised eyebrows among residents and law enforcement officials alike. Rebecca Peppiatt’s full report provides a detailed breakdown of the statistics and the potential factors contributing to this spike in crime. As we continue to monitor this situation, it’s essential to consider the implications for community safety and the measures being taken to address these challenges.

### A Circle Route for Metronet?
Meanwhile, WA Premier Roger Cook has hinted that Labor’s long-held vision to build a circle route train line around the city could be acted upon during the next term of his government. This ambitious plan has been in the works for years, with Labor’s original vision for Metronet in December 2012 including both north and south circle routes. The 2017 election pledge also included a vague promise of a large circle route connecting the Yanchep line to Fremantle, cutting through the city’s other rail lines. However, aside from the Thornlie to Cockburn link, the circle route has always been deemed “stage two” of Metronet and was never fully costed or presented to the voting public. Hamish Hastie’s report delves deeper into the history and current status of this project, leaving many to wonder if this vision will finally become a reality.

### Football Season Predictions
And finally, football season is almost upon us – so, who’s going to lift the cup this year, and will it finally be Fremantle? We’ve pulled together a panel of WA experts to gaze into their crystal balls and make some bold predictions about the season ahead. From team performances to star players, our experts weigh in on what we can expect in the coming months. Whether you’re a die-hard Fremantle supporter or just a casual fan, this is one report you won’t want to miss. You can read all about it here.

### A Look Ahead
As we continue to bring you the latest updates throughout the day, we encourage you to stay tuned for more news you need to know. From crime statistics and transportation plans to football predictions, there’s always something new to explore. Thank you for joining us this morning – we’re excited to keep you informed and engaged as the day unfolds.

### Your Thoughts
We’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the rising crime rates in these suburbs? Do you think the circle route for Metronet is a step in the right direction? And who do you think will take home the cup this football season? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation.

### Stay Connected
As always, we’re here to keep you up-to-date on the stories that matter most to you. Follow us for real-time updates, in-depth analysis, and breaking news. Together, we can stay informed and connected as we navigate the ever-changing world around us. Thank you for choosing us as your trusted source of news – we’re honored to be your go-to destination for all things local and beyond.