City Rail options released

14/3/02
Western Australians will have a say in deciding the route through central Perth for the faster direct rail link to Mandurah.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today released the report of the Perth City Rail Advisory Committee, outlining options for bringing the new railway from the Narrows Bridge to the city centre and linking it with the Joondalup line.
Ms MacTiernan said the committee had put forward three options: eastern, central and western.
The Government has ruled out the eastern option, because it was almost double the cost of either of the other options.
Ms MacTiernan said the committee's remaining options were considerable enhancements of previous proposals.
The western option continues along the Freeway and approaches Central Station from the west, through the Entertainment Centre Car Park, with a station on Elder Street, opposite Parliament House between Murray and Hay Streets.
It provides the potential for further development of the western end of the city and for an enhanced station for Perth city. Some disruption to the Freeway will occur during construction and there is likely to be a lack of integration with the city busport and additional operating costs.
The capital cost of this option is up to $167million and the net present value of the additional operating costs is measured at $16million.
The central option turns right before the Freeway interchange and goes underground, past the convention centre turning up William Street, with a station at the Esplanade near the Busport and another between Wellington and Murray Streets.
This option provides for full integration with the Joondalup line and allows for better access to the busport, river foreshore and convention centre with the construction of an Esplanade station. Potential disadvantages include the disruption to city businesses during construction, and higher construction risk.
The capital cost is up to $177million and will incur no additional operating costs.
Ms MacTiernan said the Government noted that the committee preferred the western option.
"We are releasing their report and inviting all interested Western Australians to consider the two alternatives and tell us which they think will be better for our passenger transport system and for our city's long-term development," she said.
"Over the next month we will be providing information about the alternatives, inviting public discussion and conducting additional research, before the Government makes a final decision."
Ms MacTiernan said that both options could potentially provide a stimulus for lowering the railway and providing a continuous link between the city and Northbridge, but any such development would only be possible if it could be done without additional cost to Government.
"The Government will consider all feedback and make its decision in early April," she said.
"This is an exciting step in implementing our public transport vision. Our decision will be based on what is best for Perth and public transport passengers."
Minister's office: 9213 6400