Environmental approval has been granted by the Department of Environment and Energy to METRONET’s Thornlie-Cockburn Link (TCL) in Western Australia and with all necessary State and Federal approvals in place, the project is one step closer to beginning major construction works.
The NEWest Alliance - comprised of CPB Contractors and Downer - will advance works with measures that will help reduce environmental and heritage impact during the construction of a 14.5-kilometre railway that will link the Mandurah and Armadale line.
“Environmental and heritage considerations are a key priority for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and these approvals mark an important step forward for this much anticipated project.
“The McGowan Government is strongly committed to sustainable development, and we want to ensure this important project provides the amenities and features the community wants, and that it is delivered in a sustainable way,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
The TCL project will also include building new stations at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road as well as upgrades to Cockburn Central and Thornlie stations.
Prior to beginning construction, clearing of native vegetation is required to be done in an environmentally responsible way - which is outlined as part of the approval’s environmental conditions.
In addition, fauna trapping will also be undertaken at habitat areas by a licensed contractor before clearing can begin.
“It is important that we meet our environmental obligations for the sustainable delivery of our infrastructure commitments. It is fantastic to see that we have reached yet another important milestone for this project.
“The METRONET Thornlie-Cockborn Link will bust congestion and provide our local community with greater connectivity with Perth city and the broader metro area. We are delivering on our local commitments and creating jobs for our local community,” Thornlie MLA Chris Tallentire said.
The Thornlie-Cockburn Link is expected to create up to 1,680 jobs and it is anticipated to be fully operational by mid-2023.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; METRONET (1, 2)