Reducing environmental and heritage impacts are a key priority for METRONET projects.  

In an important step forward for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, Federal environmental approval has been granted. This follows State approvals already granted from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environment Minister Stephen Dawson in late 2019.

The project’s environmental submissions included detailed responses to environmental concerns raised in feedback from the public and regulatory agencies. 

NEWest Alliance, made up of CPB Contractors and Downer, will now progress measures to reduce environmental and heritage impact as they build the 14.5km railway that closes the rail gap between the Mandurah and Armadale lines. Two new stations at Nicholson and Ranford roads and upgrades to Thornlie Station and Cockburn Central Station are key parts of the project. 

Before works begin, fauna trapping will be carried out by a licensed contractor, with any captured fauna transferred to a suitable location under advice from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The project is expected to create more than 1,600 jobs and will provide better connections through our southern suburbs.