Transport, Planning and Lands Minister Rita Saffioti spent Wednesday evening with almost 180 local community members listening to their concerns and sharing the plans for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link.
Supported by the METRONET team and local members Terry Healy and Yaz Mubaraki, Minister Saffioti outlined the broad plans for this project which will be Perth's first east-west rail connection, making travel around the city by rail much more flexible.
The 17.5km connection between Thornlie and Cockburn Central stations will include relocating the existing freight lines and building two new stations, with surrounding precincts at Nicholson and Ranford roads.
The local community heard how the new stations will see a 25-27 minute journey to Perth from Nicholson Road and a 28-30 minute to Perth from Ranford Road stations.
During a Q&A session with the Minister, the community raised a number of:
- Existing road congestion issues in the area
- Environmental impacts of the new rail link
- Local bus services
- Station layout and amenities, including parking
- Construction timeline and methods
- Noise and vibration associated with the freight lines
While a number of these concerns could not be addressed during this early phase of planning, they were noted and will be considered and reviewed by the METRONET team as the project definition plan work is underway.
The community is encouraged to stay in touch and email the team on mailto: info@metronet.wa.gov.au, calling 9326 3666 or registering for project updates.