The State’s most comprehensive transport framework in two decades includes a number of projects that will directly affect the City of Melville.
In the short term, the plan calls for the completion of the Perth Freight Link, a project Mr Aubrey has long supported, and the construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting Point Walter to Chidley Point and Point Resolution. Future aspirations include new orbital rail services linking Murdoch to Stirling and Canning Bridge to the Perth CBD via UWA and Victoria Park.
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READ NOWA rapid bus service between Booragoon and Canning Bridge is also forecast, as well as a northern extension of Stock Road through a tunnel under the river to ease pressure on Kwinana Freeway.
Mr Aubrey said the plan validated the City of Melville’s vision of establishing itself as the second biggest employment hub in Perth behind the CBD.
“The network is designed to connect population and employment centres, so the forward planning of Melville’s activity centres gave us a stake in the game for transport connectivity,” he said.
“The plan recognises the importance of the activity centres within the City of Melville and, in particular, Murdoch which is currently the busiest station outside of the CBD.
“The connections seem consistent in providing for the long term growth and proposed development of the City of Melville and region as a whole, providing a basis for future planning considerations that also includes recognition of the need to improve public transport.”
Mr Aubrey downplayed concerns that extending and converting Stock Road to a freeway would negatively affect surrounding suburbs.
“The proposed upgrades to Stock Road are futuristic and planned for a time when the population reaches 3.5 million,” he said.
“This will include a freeway tunnel from Leach Highway over 8km long, providing a positive outcome for the Melville District Centre. Negotiations between the City and Main Roads will be ongoing to establish a road design with minimal impact to Melville properties and businesses.”
KEY PLANKS OF THE PLAN
Perth Freight Link: To be constructed as planned by the Liberal State Government.
Stirling-Murdoch orbital rail: An orbital rail service connecting the significant activity centres of Stirling and Murdoch via QEII and UWA.
Bus rapid transit: Connecting Canning Bridge to Booragoon, and Murdoch Station to the Cockburn Coast and Fremantle (light rail may also be considered)
Stock Road tunnel: Stock Road extended northwards from Leach Highway as a freeway, linking with Stephenson Avenue at Jon Sanders Drive.
Three Points Green Bridge: A new pedestrian/cycling bridge connecting Chidley Point, Point Walter and Point Resolution.
Perth Light Rail: An inner orbital link connecting UWA-QEII to Canning Bridge, via the Perth CBD, Victoria Park and Curtin-Bentley.