Published on Tuesday, 24 November 2020 at 3:49:05 PM

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has welcomed the announcement by the State Government today for investigating expanding the Byford Rail Extension project scope to include a modern elevated rail component.

Shire President Michelle Rich said the announcement by Premier Mark McGowan and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was a step further in realising the Shire’s vision for a vibrant and connected Byford town centre.

“Elevated rail, including an elevated train station in Byford, has been the Council’s preference, as adopted in our 2021 State Election Priorities and Requests” Cr Rich said.
“The Shire has spent a lot of time working collaboratively with the Transport Minister and the Metronet team over the past 12 months and we are very pleased the McGowan Government has included this option in the Byford Rail Extension project scope.”

Cr Rich said an elevated train station will connect the Byford town centre and support it to grow into a vibrant city centre.
“Elevated rail will provide for safer east-west connections within the town centre, and we would welcome the removal of the Abernethy Road level crossing as part of the proposed elevated rail option to improve safety for both motorists and pedestrians,” Cr Rich said.

“It will also help unlock a range of opportunities for the delivery of new public space beneath the elevated rail for our community and to support the activation of the new city centre.

Cr Rich said the Shire was also undertaking feasibility studies into a future TAFE and allied Health Hub as part of a Transit Oriented Development in the Byford town centre.
‘We look forward receiving support from both sides of politics for these projects in the lead up to the State Election to ensure residents have access to local health services and education and training opportunities.

“With nearly two families moving to the Shire each day, the delivery of Byford Metronet will help connect our community to jobs and opportunities that are so important for the many young couples seeking to build their first house in Serpentine Jarrahdale.”

Cr Rich said the Shire will continue to work collaboratively with the State Government, Metronet team and Main Roads WA to achieve the delivery of the local road network needed to connect our community to the new station precinct, to ensure we can fulfil the shared vision for this transformational project.

“I would personally like to thank Minister Saffioti for taking the time to listen to our issues and suggestions, and for working with us to find the best outcome for Byford and our community,” Cr Rich said.

Visit the State Government’s dedicated Byford Metronet project page here.

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