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Transportation Planning Casebook/Metronet Western Australia

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The latest reviewed version was checked on 18 April 2024. There are 17 pending changes awaiting review.

Summary

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Metronet is one of the largest infrastructure construction projects undertaken by the Western Australia government for the extension of railway lines. Around 72km new passenger rail line is proposed along with 23 new stations and is said to develop 8000 hectares of land around the stations for housing, work, and recreation.[1] The total cost of the project according to data from the 2023-2024 WA Budget projects a cost of 10.5 billion AUD,[2] an overall increase from the Labour Governments' 2.5 billion AUD projections in 2017[3]. The main objective of Metronet is to promote economic growth by creating greater accessibility to Perth. The introduction of Metronet project has generated jobs in the rail manufacturing in Western Australia for the first time in approximately 30 years, trains will be created and engineered in Western Australia. Metronet also aims to implement three main strategies (Gnarla Biddi Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, Public Art Strategy and Sustainability Strategy) with the aim to create unity in the community and create opportunities for residents. Furthermore, the addition of the Metronet is also expected to benefit North-East and South-East areas of Perth by creating more housing opportunities due to the greater accessibility to these areas which can be attributed to Metronet.

Annotated List of Actors

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Stakeholder Group Interests, concerns, and Issues
Australian Government The Federal Government provides funding support to the Metronet project. It also provides approvals for plannings within the Metronet project. To speed up the approvals of the plannings by the Federal Government, a bilateral model between the Federal and State Government was done to reduce the approval time to half from the current average time of 3.5 years to 21 months.[4]
State Government The State Government has prioritized the Metronet project and is the single largest infrastructure construction project undertaken by the Western Australian Government.[1]
State Government Departments and Agencies Department of Transport (DoT) works with Metronet for the planning of mid-tier transit solutions. With the expansion of rail network, there is a need to connect broader communities to the rail network through improved bus services and mid-tier transit solutions.  The study includes the North East Rapid Transit Feasibility Study and the Wanneroo Road Urban Corridor Plan.[5] The department is responsible for licensing and regulating for vehicles, boats, and drivers. It also makes regulations pertaining to roads, aviation, freight, and ports.[6]

Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage was formed in 2017 for integrated land use planning and conservation of heritage.[7] It contributes to Metronet land use planning, creating vibrant and livable communities around the existing and proposed stations.

Department of Communities has aligned its investment with Metronet to create social and affordable housing options for people, like medium and high-density apartments around Metronet station precincts.[8]

Public Transport Authority (PTA) is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of transport infrastructures like rail, roads, and ferries to provide safe, efficient, and customer-oriented transport services.[9] All the tendering works under Metronet, are monitored by the authority.[4]

Main Roads Western Australia manages major roads and highways along with traffic lights, towing, and signage.[10] It will contribute to the upgrading of major roads, intersections, and cycling and pedestrian paths due to level crossing closure like Caledonian Level crossing, traffic light installation at the intersection of Eleventh Road and South-Western Highway in Byford area,[11] etc.

DevelopmentWA is an agency under the State Government of Western Australia that works in coordination with the private sector and community to develop sustainable communities and commercial and industrial projects.[12] It works for redevelopment of stations and their precincts, like Armadale, Bayswater, High Wycombe, Midland, etc., of Metronet.

Western Australian Planning Commission plays a key role in the planning and development of station precincts.[13]

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation and Environmental Protection Authority Western Australia provide advice and work as regulatory bodies for environmental impacts.

Local Governments The Local Governments within the station precincts are involved in planning frameworks for transit-oriented development communities, coordination during construction.
Contractors The Metronet project comprises of many components and these components are undertaken through the tendering process. The works can be construction only, design and built wherein the design of the works are undertaken by a successful bidder/contractor who involves consultants to design the work, which is approved by the client and implemented. The various contractors and component works undertaken in the Metronet project are: -

1.       Salini Impregilo (now Webuild) - NRW Joint Venture for Forrestfield-Airport Link D&C Contract[4]

2.       Midland Junction Alliance, comprising McConnell Dowell, Georgiou Group, Arcadis and BG&E for Midland Station construction.[4]

3.       MELconnx Consortium: Laing O'Rourke and Arup for Morley-Ellenbrook Line main works.[4]

4.       NEWest Alliance: CPB Contractors and Downer ED for Yanchep Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link D&C Contract.[4]

5.       Alstom for Rolling Stock Procurement.[4]

6.       Consortium comprising RPS, Arcanis, Agonis, and DDR Consult for System Integration.[4]

7.       MetCONNX Alliance (comprising Laing O’Rourke, Pritchard Francis Consulting and Kellogg Brown & Root) for design and build of the Byford Rail Extension.[4]

Private Sector Reference Group This group will look at land development around the station for density capture and other land use options. It will also update the private sector about the plans and progress of the project in the station precinct. It consists of representatives from the Urban Development Institute of Australia, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Property Council of Australia, the Real Estate Institute of WA, the Housing Industry Association, the Master Builders' Association, the Australian Property Institute and Shelter WA.[14]
Local Communities Metronet Noongar Reference Group (MNRG)-The Metronet project runs through certain areas of the aboriginal Whadjuk People and Gnaala Karla Booja of Noongar dialect, so it is important to consult them and represent their views in the project. An Aboriginal Engagement Framework was prepared that emphasized on respect for Noongar culture, employment opportunities in Metronet and construction activities, heritage conservation, etc.[15]

Access and Inclusion Reference Group is a group that provides inputs for the universal design of mobility and access of disabled people in the station and around station precincts.[14]

Other local community living in and around the project affected by the project can get information related to the project in their vicinity, their issues and concerns addressed accordingly.[14]

Timeline of Events

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Year Timeline of Events
2012 (Initial Proposal) Metronet was first proposed by the Labour Party in December 2012 as an election agenda for 2013. In this election, the Liberal Party won a majority of seats in the legislative assembly.[16]
April 2016 The Public Transport Authority awarded contractor Salini Impregilo-NRW Joint Venture for the design, construction, and maintenance of the Forrestfield-Airport Link.[4] The cost of the project is $1.86 billion, which was funded jointly by the Central and State Governments of Australia. With the construction of three stations at Redcliffe, Airport Central, and High Wycombe, it will provide new rail services to the eastern suburbs of Perth. The new 8.5 km line will emerge from Bayswater station, ultimately connecting to High Wycombe through a twin-bored tunnel.[17]
May 2017 The Federal Government announced $792 million for Metronet in its 2017–2018 budget.[4]
September 2017 $1.34 billion was allocated in the State Budget of 2017-2018 to be spent on Metronet for the next four years.[4]
February 2018 A design tender was released for a new rail operations control center for the Automatic Train Control Signalling System. The State Government committed $7.4 million for the work.[4]
May 2018 The Federal Government, in its 2018–2019 budget, allocated $1.05 billion to be spent over the next six years.[4]
January 2019 To provide program management services, Turner & Townsend was appointed.[4]
May 2019 The state budget for 2019–2020 allocated $266.6 million over the forward estimates.[4]
November 2019 An industry briefing on the project on December 11 was announced by the state government.[4]
June 2020 The Federal Government announced fast tracking of planning approval related to Metronet by half, which could otherwise have taken 3.5 years to 21 months.[4]
September 2020 Construction of Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park started and was awarded to local Balcatta company PS Structures Pty Ltd.[18] It is a $32 million project that plans to construct a three-storey car park (including ground level) at the footprints of an existing northern station car park. It will add 700 bays to the existing system. Smart Parker machines, electric vehicle charging stations, security cameras, adequate lighting, two lifts, the main stairwell, and emergency stairwells are features of the parking. The aim is to improve parking facilities, which get occupied by 90% during peak hours, and to encourage public transport.[19]
October 2020 The 2020–2021 state budget found that $4.9 billion was allocated to the project which included expenditure and commitments to the period of 2023-2024.[4]
April 2021 Denny Avenue Level Crossing was permanently closed. A new rail over road underpass was opened at Davis Road.[20]
May 2021 The Federal Government funding of $379 million for the Inner Armadale Line Level Crossing Removals, Byford Extension, and High-Capacity Signalling project.[4]
September 2021 The 2021-2022 State Budget allocated $817 million to be spent on the Armadale Line Level crossing removals, Byford Extension, and High-Capacity Signalling project. With this, the allocation for the project reached $5.7 billion.[4]
November 2021 The State Government opened an EOI (Expression of Interest) for the appointment of a panel of Technical Advisory Services for project management, construction, and commercial services.[4]
29 November 2021 Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park official inauguration.[21]
March 2022 The Federal Government allocated $441 million for the Thornlie-Cockburn link, high-capacity signalling, Morrison Road Level crossing, and Yanchep Rail extension in the year 2022-2023.[4]
15 April 2022 Caledonian Avenue Level Crossing was removed for the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles and to ease congestion in the area.[22] $15 million was allocated to improve other access near the railway line. It included two traffic lanes in each direction on Whatley Crescent between Railway Parade and Garratt Road, the installation of traffic lights, and pedestrian upgrades at the intersection.[23]
April 2022 To provide geotechnical engineering services at the Thornlie Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension Project, the Public Transport Authority published a notice for a request for tender.[4]
May 2022 $6 billion was allocated in 2022-2023 State Budget to be spent over the next four years.[4]
9 October 2022 The Forrestfield-Airport Link was opened for service.[24]
May 2023 The State Government continued allocating funds for the project and confirmed the new project cost at $10.5 billion.[4]
11 June 2023 The new Lakeland Station was officially opened.[25] It is a station between Warnbro and Mandurah stations, which are 23 kilometers away. It is believed to address the public transport demand in Perth’s southern suburbs.[26]
November 2023 Based on the review report of the Infrastructure Investment Program, the Federal Government allocated $1 billion.[4]

Maps of Locations

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[27]

Metronet consist of 15 individual projects:  

  • Forrestifield-Airport Link  
  • Morley-Ellenbrook Line  
  • Thornile-Cockburn Link  
  • Yanchep Rail Extension  
  • New Bayswater Station  
  • New Lakelands Station  
  • New Midland Station  
  • Beilevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility  
  • Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park  
  • Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal  
  • Victorica Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal (five crossings and elevated rail)
  • Byford Rail Extension (including Thomas Road Bridge Over Rail)
  • High-Capacity Signalling Project  
  • Public Transport Operations Control Centre  
  • Greenwood Multi-Storey Car Park


The locations of the stations are either completely new or an upgrade to the existing station and lines on the previous train network. According to Metronet Caledonian Avenue Level Crossing Removal, Claremont Station, Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal, Forrestfield-Airport Link, Lakelands Stations and Mandurah Station Multi-Story Car Park are the only completed projects with the remaining projects currently under construction or yet to have construction take place[28].  

Clear Identification of Policy Issues

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Cost Overrun

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The total cost of the Metronet project has quadrupled to $11.5 billion from the original estimate of $3 billion in 2017.[29] Though there were changes in scope of project that led to some increase in the cost but overall, the project cost has increased considerably.

Time Overrun

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It has already been more than six years since the commencement of Metronet project and many components are yet to be completed. Time overrun has increased total project cost and has delayed using services on time.

Railcar Manufacturing

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The sustainability of railcar program can be realized only if the manufacturing of railcars can be done on such a scale that it can become an exporter otherwise it will not be a good investment of tax-payers money.[30]

Aboriginal Procurement Policy 2017

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The policy targets to provide 3% of State Government and Metronet contracts with value greater than $50,000 to registered Aboriginal businesses.[15] This can be a challenging task to achieve giving the open competition method in procurement processes.

Narrative of the Case

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The Public Transport Authority (PTA) is the major organization that provides public transport services in Western Australia. PTA, through its Transperth division, provides bus services, urban train transport and ferry services in the greater metropolitan area of Perth. The train service comprises more than 180km of rail serving 72 stations. The network comprises five main lines, namely the Armadale/Thornlie line, Fremantle line, Joondalup line, Midland line and Mandurah line.[31] The Metronet project will assist the Western Australia Government’s Perth and Peel @3.5 million by providing a well-connected transport link along with new housing schemes and employment opportunities for people in the metropolitan area of Perth.[32] The Metronet railway system in Western Australia is currently being operated and new lines are being developed to create a more integrated Perth with more transport, employment opportunities and housing. The main objective of the Metronet is to support economic growth, create better connectivity and access to jobs and businesses, create infrastructure that promote easy and accessible travel and lifestyle, create communities with a sense of support and belonging, plan for the future growth of Perth and to lead a cultural shift in the way sectors such as the government, industrial and private can work together to achieve integrated transport solutions and land use [27].  

The Metronet is an important project in Western Australia for many reasons, the main reason is that it upgrades the current rail network by providing new trains and new stations to the system. In addition, the Metronet planned projects are a major stepping stone for the planned economic development and growth of Perth. Some of the planned stations are projected to increase housing prices as there will be more accessibility to these places. In addition, the Metronet also has generated jobs in Perth as it has created greater accessibility and with the Western Australia Railcar Program with the goal to produce 246 new C-series railcars replacing the old A-series trains and six new diesel trains,[33] it has created jobs in train building in Western Australia which is the first time in approximately 30 years since train manufacturing was around in Western Australia [34].  

The addition of new lines through the Metronet is predicted to generate interest in locations and influence property values particular in places in the North-East and South-East of Perth. Furthermore, places such as newer suburbs such as Brabham and Dayton will also benefit from the introduction of the new Metronet as it provides more housing options and easier travel for residents in Perth[35].  

The Metronet project aims to connect Perth with three core strategies Gnarla Biddi Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, Public Art Strategy and Sustainability Strategy. The Gnarla Biddi Aboriginal Engagement Strategy is long-term strategy to create engagement with the Aboriginal community. The program was endorsed by the Whadjuk and Gnaala Karla Booja working parties. The strategy is supported by five engagement streams of Noongar cultural recognition, Noongar cultural input into place making, Aboriginal procurement, Aboriginal employment and land access and site management[36].  

Public Art Strategy aims to create a legacy of transformative transport infrastructure and to create a unique identity of each station and precinct. The strategy will guide public art delivery, take creative inspiration from Perth’s Aboriginal and local history, land, locations and culture.  

The Sustainability Strategy revolves around the application of high-level principles that provide a framework for transport infrastructure and station precinct projects during the planning, procurement design and construction stages[37].

Discussion Questions

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1. How long we must wait for major infrastructures (railway tracks and stations) to be completed in the Metronet Project?

2. How will the funding for Metronet change in the future considering time and cost overrun and the state election in 2025?

3. Will the station precincts develop in the way Metronet has imagined, increasing density, job opportunities, commercial activities, and recreational activities, and when?

4. How will the WA Railcar Program shape the future of manufacturing trains and development in Western Australia?

Additional Readings

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1. METRONET Station Precincts Gateway

The document analyzes the characteristics of each station precincts that will help in future development of precincts.

URL: https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/METRONET%20Station%20Precincts%20Gateway.pdf?ver=4kwHHxUjmHZk2ag-at9SVA%3d%3d

2. NEWest Alliance Annual Sustainability Report 2023. Yanchep Railway Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link

URL: https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Thornlie-Cockburn%20Link/2023%20Annual%20Sustainability%20Report%20-%20Thornlie-Cockburn%20Link%20and%20Yanchep%20Rail%20Extension.pdf

3. New Midland Station SUMMARY PROJECT DEFINITION PLAN NOVEMBER 2020

URL: https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Midland%20Station/Midland%20Station%20Project%20Definition%20Plan.pdf

4. Morley Station Precinct Concept Master Plan

URL: https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Morley-Ellenbrook%20Line/Morley%20Station%20Precinct%20Concept%20Master%20Plan%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

References

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  1. ↑ a b "About". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  2. ↑ "METRONET - Infrastructure Pipeline". infrastructurepipeline.org. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  3. ↑ Foster, Brendan (2017-02-06). "WA election: Labor's pet rail project Metronet to cost $2.5 billion". WAtoday. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  4. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa "METRONET - Infrastructure Pipeline". infrastructurepipeline.org. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  5. ↑ Department of Transport. "Metronet." Accessed 19 April 2022. https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/projects/metronet.asp
  6. ↑ Department of Transport. Who we are. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/aboutus/who-we-are.asp
  7. ↑ "Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage". www.wa.gov.au. 2024-04-16. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  8. ↑ "METRONET Social and Affordable Housing and Jobs Package". www.wa.gov.au. 2023-07-06. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  9. ↑ "Our role". www.pta.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  10. ↑ "What we manage | Main Roads Western Australia". www.mainroads.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  11. ↑ Metronet. Byford Rail Extension Community Advisory Groups – Byford & Armadale. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Byford%20Rail%20Extension/Byford%20&%20Armadale%20CRG%20Minutes.pdf
  12. ↑ "About". DevelopmentWA - Shaping our State's future. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  13. ↑ Metronet. METRONET Sustainability Strategy. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.swainnovationhub.org/uploads/1/3/9/4/139457899/metronet_sustainability_strategy.pdf
  14. ↑ a b c "Engagement". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  15. ↑ a b Metronet. (2018). “Gnarla Biddi METRONET’S Aboriginal Engagement Strategy December 2018”. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Gnarla%20Biddi/METRONET%20Aboriginal%20Engagement%20Strategy.pdf
  16. ↑ "Liberals elected in landslide victory" (in en-AU). ABC News. 2013-03-09. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-10/liberals-claim-victory-as-labor-seeks-to-lay-blame/4563384. 
  17. ↑ Forrestfield-Airport Link METRONET. 2022. Project Overview. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Forrestfield-Airport%20Link/Forrestfield-Airport%20Link%20Project%20Overview.pdf
  18. ↑ "Joint media statement - Ground-breaking start for new Mandurah multi-storey car park". Public Transport Authority of Western Australia. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  19. ↑ Metronet. Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Mandurah%20Station%20Car%20Park/Mandurah%20Station%20Multi-Storey%20Car%20Park%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
  20. ↑ "Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  21. ↑ "Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park". metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  22. ↑ "Caledonian Avenue Level Crossing Removal". metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  23. ↑ Metronet. Caledonian Avenue Level Crossing Removal Fact Sheet. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Caledonian%20Avenue%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf?ver=azD4_S95ea2gZP5DKioYMw%3d%3d
  24. ↑ "ARA welcomes METRONET Forrestfield-Airport Link opening date". Global Railway Review. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  25. ↑ "Lakelands Station". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  26. ↑ Metronet. 2023. Lakelands Station. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.metronet.wa.gov.au/Portals/31/Project%20Documents/Lakelands%20Station/Lakelands%20Station%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf
  27. ↑ a b "About". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  28. ↑ "Projects". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  29. ↑ Media, Opposition (2023-05-24). "More excuses from McGowan Government as METRONET costs spiral out of control". Opposition Alliance. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  30. ↑ "The cost is huge, but it’s hoped brand new trains will lure people back to public transport after COVID" (in en-AU). ABC News. 2024-04-07. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-07/metronet-train-manufacturing-claims-tested-amid-cost-blowout/103665584. 
  31. ↑ "Transperth". pta.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  32. ↑ Department of Transport. Perth and Peel@3.5 million-Transport Network. Accessed 19 April 2024. https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/projects/perth-and-peel-3-5million-transport-network.asp
  33. ↑ "WA Railcar Program". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  34. ↑ "Railcar manufacturing was the heart of this Perth community for 100 years. After three decades, it's back" (in en-AU). ABC News. 2023-08-18. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-18/metronet-train-manufacturing-midland-bellevue/102728634. 
  35. ↑ Brookes, Sarah (2024-02-14). "The Metronet effect: How will Perth's biggest public transport project impact house prices?". WAtoday. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  36. ↑ "Gnarla Biddi". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  37. ↑ "Sustainability". www.metronet.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
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