One shovel done, a lot more to go with works starting on the Yanchep Rail Extension.

METRONET Noongar Reference Group representatives Roger Pickett and Doreen Nelson took part in the occasion with Doreen breaking the first ground with a traditional digging stick.

They were accompanied by Dr Richard Walley who opened the occasion with a Welcome to Country. These important activities are part of our commitment under Gnarla Biddi's Noongar Cultural Recognition stream to recognise Aboriginal culture at key METRONET events.

The Premier Mark McGowan and Minister for Transport, Planning Rita Saffioti announced the early works will support an accelerated start for major construction works once the contract is signed between NEWest Alliance and the Public Transport Authority.

The early works for the project include geotechnical investigations, site clearing, fencing and bulk earthworks. 

First trains to use the Yanchep Rail Extension, which adds 14.5 kilometres to the existing Joondalup Line with new stations at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep, will run from 2022.