Morley-Ellenbrook Line environmental assessment commences

• Critical step in environmental assessment process for major METRONET project begins
• Environmental submissions recognise the different conditions along the alignment
• Morley-Ellenbrook Line will bring far reaching and long-term sustainable benefits
• Early works for Morley-Ellenbrook Line to start at Bayswater in December

The first of two environmental assessment applications has now been submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), marking an important step towards formalising the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line alignment.

Meanwhile, the Bayswater Station Upgrade - the first stage of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line construction - is getting underway during December.

Submitting the alignment assessment in two parts recognises the different environmental values along the 21km Morley-Ellenbrook Line. This Bayswater to Malaga Rail Works submission covers the rail works required from the Bayswater industrial area to Malaga within the Tonkin Highway median.

As this area is already built-up and has largely been cleared during previous projects, there are minimal environmentally sensitive values, with the submission focussing on reducing amenity impacts, such as noise and vibration, to nearby residents. 

The Malaga to Ellenbrook Rail Works submission, covering rail works from Malaga to Ellenbrook, is scheduled for referral to the EPA by early 2020. This proposed section of the future rail line travels through Marshall Road land, across the narrowest part of the Bennett Brook and land parallel to New Lord Street.

The project team has worked hard to avoid sensitive sites and will continue to work closely with regulators to identify, avoid, minimise and mitigate any potential impacts.

The environmental assessments are being managed through the Public Transport Authority (PTA) on behalf of the State Government.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The Morley-Ellenbrook Line will bring far-reaching and long-term benefits to people living and working in the area, as well as raise the profile of Whiteman Park by making it easier for people to visit this unique attraction.

"METRONET projects like the Morley-Ellenbrook Line limit urban sprawl, reduce reliance on cars and help create more sustainable communities."

"We have used the existing Tonkin Highway corridor as much as possible and much of the alignment follows largely unvegetated land.

"We will continue to work with environmental regulators to ensure this legacy project for Perth minimises its impacts and maximises its role in supporting the long-term sustainability of our city as it grows.

"In the meantime, we look forward to starting the first stage of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line very soon by starting early works for the Bayswater Station Upgrade."

Minister's office - 6552 5500