- Project Definition Plans for Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension endorsed by Cabinet
- Industry briefing for construction companies to be held on July 18
- Construction of both projects on track to start next year
- Both projects are estimated to create more than 3,000 WA jobs
Construction on the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension is on track to begin next year, with the project definition plans for the METRONET projects approved by Cabinet. They will be submitted to Infrastructure Australia in coming weeks.
More than 3,000 jobs are expected to be created over both projects, which will be delivered together by one contractor.
The Yanchep Rail Extension will deliver the last 14.5km section of the Joondalup Line from Butler to Yanchep, supporting ongoing growth in the area and reducing road congestion.
The 17.5km Thornlie-Cockburn Link will connect the Mandurah and Armadale Lines, creating development opportunities around the proposed Nicholson Road and Ranford Road stations and improving access from the southern suburbs to Optus Stadium.
Thornlie Station will become a through station and a new platform will be built at the northern end of Cockburn Central Station. An additional three kilometres of rail line will be constructed to duplicate the section between Beckenham and Thornlie Stations.
The projects, with a current combined budget of $1.056 billion, are being delivered by the State and Commonwealth governments through a joint funding arrangement, with the Commonwealth funding $700 million and the WA Government $356 million.
The completion of the project definition plans confirms positive benefit cost ratios for each project, which will meet the precondition for the Commonwealth Government's funding, which was subject to positive business cases.
A tender seeking consultants to carry out geotechnical and groundwater investigations for both METRONET projects has already been released and will inform further detailed design for the railways.
A briefing to the construction industry will be held on Wednesday, July 18.
There will be a series of drop-in sessions where community members can speak to planning and delivery teams to learn more about the projects. More information about the briefings can be found on the METRONET website.
Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:
"I've seen firsthand the incredible transformative effects rail projects can bring to a community after the Mandurah Line was built.
"Development around train stations can take many years, however METRONET puts these areas in a good position to maximise our investment and create connected, liveable communities.
"Collectively, these two projects will generate more than 3,000 jobs for WA. Combining the two projects into one main contract should generate significant savings for WA taxpayers."
Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The rail connections for the both the northern suburbs and through Canning Vale have long been talked about. These plans recognised rail as essential infrastructure and an important travel option to help connect and move people living and working in the area.
"We have developed plans to ensure this investment creates places where people can live the lifestyle they choose and still have the option to access jobs, schools, the CBD and other facilities like the airport and Stadium.
"The station designs will be the first examples of the new METRONET approach to integrated transport and land use planning as they accommodate day one of operations, but are flexible enough to change as development around the station occurs in the future.
"I am also pleased that our consultation with existing residents has already led to changes so that there will be more ballast matting under both new passenger lines and under the existing freight line between Thornlie and Cockburn to reduce noise and vibration. As a result, noise and vibration between Thornlie and Cockburn will be kept to the same or lesser levels to that currently generated by the existing freight line."
Premier's office: 6552 5000
Transport Minister's office: 6552 5500
