When can we expect a South Perth train station?
Councillor Nic Coveney has called for council to continue its advocacy efforts for more ferry stops and the construction of a South Perth train station at an agenda briefing on Tuesday night.
Mr Coveney's motion requests council acknowledge the challenge of managing increasing travel demands due to population growth and urban development, and ask the CEO to write a letter to the relevant WA government agencies for more public transport.
His report included statistics regarding future projected population increases, number of residents currently using cars to commute, where residents work, and anticipated future road capacity. Traffic on Mill Point Road at 7am, backing up to Wesley College from the freeway entrance. Credit: Facebook
The motion states that 71 per cent of South Perth residents work outside the city and 65 per cent of residents commute to work by car.
It was also forecast that South Perth's population would grow to 66,000 by 2041 and that roads of significance might also reach 200 per cent capacity within the next few years.
'By 2041, the City of South Perth's population is forecast to rise, and visitor numbers to the Perth Zoo and the South Perth Foreshore are already booming.' Mr Coveney said in his report.
He said that South Perth station was originally included in stage 1 of Metronet, but 'for reasons unclear', it did not progress.
'The Perth-Mandurah rail line includes land reserved to construct a future South Perth station. .. since the rail line was constructed in 2007,' he said. Infrastructure made to accommodate a potential South Perth station on Kwinana Freeway. Credit: Google Maps
He also suggests that the city push for expanded ferry services to include Mends Street, and to investigate Como Jetty and Coode Street Jetty as additional stops.
'The time to act on advocacy of the South Perth train station and expanded ferry routes is now,' Mr Coveney said.
South Perth mayor Greg Milner told PerthNow in June the State Government stated its commitment to construct a train station at South Perth in 2002 when the Perth to Mandurah line was first proposed, yet the station has never been built despite the significant population growth over the last 23 years.
In 2017, the City made a bold train station precinct plan, which included all land between Richardson and Darley streets to the south and east, and Scott Street and Frasers Lane to the north. The area included in the train station precinct plans (2017). Credit: South Perth
'In the future, it is hoped that the State Government will construct a South Perth railway station at Richardson Street, to service Perth Zoo, local businesses and residents.' the plans state. 'Development in the precinct will create demand for the train station and help make its construction worthwhile.'
If the motion is carried, the city will push for infrastructure investment, and seek clarification on the State Government's intentions and timelines.
A Public Transport Authority spokesperson said South Perth is already 'very well served' by bus and ferry services, with high frequency during peak times.
'These bus and ferry services provide convenient and efficient connections to and from the Perth CBD and the passenger rail network.' they said.
'While the potential for a station was factored into the design of the existing Mandurah Line, it was determined there was not a need for a station in this location at the current time, or in the near future.'
The spokesperson noted the Canning Bridge Bus Interchange project will also support improved public transport access into the broader South Perth area.
'With plans underway for a ferry service expansion on the Swan River, those living in South Perth will soon be able to travel by ferry to Applecross and UWA as part of Stage One of the project.' they said.
'Future ferry stops being considered include Point Fraser, Burswood Park, Optus Stadium and Claisebrook Cove.'
Councillors will consider the motion at their ordinary council meeting on July 22.
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