By Blue Wave Property Strategies
WA’s Premier and Treasurer were among the first to ride the new 15-kilometre railway extension to Perth’s northern suburbs, including Alkimos, Eglinton, and Yanchep. The train was packed with over 500 passengers marking the occasion.
As the train departed Alkimos station, the crowd erupted in applause. Passengers of all ages, from young families to train enthusiasts, filled the carriages, many filming the journey to capture the moment. Each of the new double-storey stations featured art installations, and passengers disembarked into these well-designed spaces.
Although the ride was free on Sunday, the project itself came at a significant cost to taxpayers. Originally announced in 2017, the project’s cost has doubled to over $1 billion and opened almost two years behind schedule.
“Mission Accomplished”
Metronet will eventually add 23 new stations to Perth’s network, transforming around 8,000 hectares of land into desirable residential areas. Despite the financial and scheduling challenges, Premier Roger Cook hailed the Yanchep extension as a successful connection to the outer suburbs.
“Thanks to the hard work of 1,300 workers, we are proud to say, ‘mission accomplished’,” Cook said. “As a dad from Kwinana, I know how crucial this infrastructure is. It’s transformed the way people live in my area, and it will do the same for Yanchep and Alkimos.”
Transport Minister and Treasurer Rita Saffioti emphasized the importance of the project for northern suburbs. “It’s about connecting communities and ensuring families in outer suburbs have excellent public transport from day one,” Saffioti said. “This is a spectacular project that will serve generations.”
Saffioti defended the cost overruns, citing increased prices for materials and the impact of COVID-19. “Costs have risen across the construction sector in WA and nationally,” she said. “Despite these challenges, the project has been delivered.”
Local Support for the Extension
Local residents welcomed the new line, hoping it would boost business in coastal suburbs. Jacinta and Daniel, residents of Yanchep for six years, noted the area’s rapid growth. “We’ve seen a lot of change, and it’s become much more popular,” Jacinta said. “People are surprised it’s not as far north as they thought.”
Annie, who works at a local barber shop, said the new rail access was long overdue. “Yanchep wasn’t easily accessible by public transport. Now, with the rail, we expect more exposure and growth.”
Gaps in the Plan
A report from the independent Climate Council highlighted that 60% of Perth residents lack access to decent public transport, rating Perth as the second-worst capital city in the country. The new stations’ proximity to homes was criticized by Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University. “The suburbs of Alkimos and Yanchep are too spread out to fully benefit from the new railway,” he said.
Future Challenges
The WA government argues the Yanchep extension will create jobs and provide transport options for over 150,000 future residents. However, Professor Newman suggested slowing urban sprawl to make outer suburbs more appealing. WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam criticized the project for being over budget and behind schedule, arguing it reflected mismanagement and misplaced priorities amid other crises in the state.
Reference: By Grace Burmas and Kenith Png