Rockingham residents consult with Government on Perth-to-Mandurah railway

6 October 2003

The State Government has listened to the people of Rockingham and will propose some important changes to parts of the Perth-to-Mandurah railway that affect them.

Planning and infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said recommended changes to station and track designs arose out of nine community consultation meetings held between April and July.

"In order to build a railway that serves the wider community, we need to locate stations close to where the greatest number of people can access them," Ms MacTiernan said.

"This means railtracks and other infrastructure will occasionally be close to homes.

"While it is not possible to meet everyone's issues, we are very willing to listen to the concerns of those who will be most affected."

After New MetroRail explained the project in detail, groups of Rockingham residents said they wanted some things changed, replaced or added to the railway.

"Our project people took the residents' concerns into account and, in many cases, were able to help out," the Minister said.

"This is a good example of successful and meaningful consultation."

Feedback from the groups resulted in a number of recommended changes to designs including:
 

• the removal of a planned pedestrian footbridge at Glenway Loop;

• development of a pedestrian network linking the four quadrants surrounding the Ennis Avenue/Rae Road intersection;

• selection of noise wall materials and wall height;

• replacement of an earth bund in the Garden Island Highway Reserve with noise walls located alongside the railway tracks on both the Hillman and Woodbridge sides of the reserve; and

• reduction in the height proposed for Ennis Avenue and Rae Road that have to be raised to provide for a possible Rockingham city centre transit system in the future.

All aspects of the project are still subject to the Development Approval (DA) of the Western Australian Planning Commission that could have an impact on some of the recommendations.

Earlier this year, a highly publicised public information evening was held in Rockingham and attracted more than 350 residents.

Chaired by Peel MLA Norm Marlborough and Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan, the meeting showed overwhelming support for the railway but also highlighted specific concerns.

"The New MetroRail team selected four groups of residents based on their proximity to the station or railway track," Mr McGowan said.

"In partnership with the City of Rockingham, each group was consulted with twice."

Mr Marlborough said all four groups shared concerns about adverse effects to properties, including the impact of noise and vibration during construction and increased traffic noise resulting from road realignment and from the operating railway.

"There were also concerns about safety and security about the station and pedestrian access," he said.

Ms MacTiernan said community input had been invaluable.

"NMR appreciates the residents' honesty and their willingness to assist in the consultation process," she said.

Minister's office: 9213 6400