Thornlie-Cockburn Link gets environmental green light

METRONET’s Thornlie-Cockburn Link project has been given all required Federal and State environmental approvals, with initial works now in progress in Perth.

The project has been given the green light by the Department of Environment and Energy in addition to the previous approvals from the WA Environmental Protection Authority.

The Thornlie-Cockburn Link intends to close a 14.5 km gap between the Mandurah and Armadale lines. New stations will be constructed at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road, with Cockburn Central and Thornlie stations to undergo substantial upgrades.

Successful bidders for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension project contracts were CPB Contractors and Downer.

Environmental submissions for the project consist of detailed replies to significant environmental issues raised from public and regulatory organisations.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the environmental and heritage considerations are of key importance for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, with the approvals marking an essential step forward for the project.

“The State 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,” she said.

The new rail service will deliver more than 1600 jobs and create greater transport connectivity and convenience throughout the southern suburbs. This will make Western Australia even more liveable and commercially stronger.