EPA green lights $536m rail extension

The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended environmental approval for the state government's Thornlie to Cockburn rail line extension, despite adverse effects on residents and cockatoo habitats.

The $536 million, 14.5-kilometre rail line will link existing stations between Thornlie and Cockburn with new stations at Ranford and Nicholson Roads.

Last week, Business News reported that nearly 30 hectares of black cockatoo foraging habitat and three priority wetlands will be affected by the Thornlie-Cockburn link rail project, according to environmental documents prepared by Aurora Environmental.

Consent was given in March for preliminary work to get under way, while the PTA responded to public submissions in July.

Today, EPA chair Tom Hatton said although the new rail track would have an impact on the environment, these impacts could be managed and mitigated through a number of conditions.

 “The EPA is recommending a number of conditions to be implemented if the proposal is to proceed, and these include actions to reduce noise levels for nearby residences, offsets for the clearing of native vegetation on Bush Forever sites and the monitoring and management of any impacts to cockatoo habitat,” he said.

Dr Hatton said the proposal was considered in the context of its highly urbanised surroundings, which included an existing freight rail corridor already in operation.

The PTA has proposed mitigation measures including the construction of four-metre-high noise walls, installation of ballast matting and noise level monitoring.

“The noise and vibration mitigation measures proposed by the PTA will reduce the noise emission levels and we have recommended the PTA continue to consult with nearby residents on the final dimensions and configurations of noise walls,” Dr Hatton said.