South Perth Train Station Business Case

Journalist’s background: Media enquiry regarding the October 2016, South Perth Train Station Business Case.

Please attribute the following quotes to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty.

Why did the council approach MarcoPlan Dimasi to put together the business plan?
The State Government released its draft Transport @ 3.5 Million: Perth Transport Plan in July 2016. The plan identifies the State Government’s key transport projects and priorities. It makes no reference to the future provision of the South Perth Train Station.

The City of South Perth subsequently engaged MacroPlan Dimasi to build upon the original business case for the train station that was developed by the City in 2010.

The assessment by MacroPlan Dimasi updates the 2010 report, considering numerous factors including the current economic climate and recent data relating to increased population growth in the City and specifically in the South Perth Station Precinct.

What does the council hope the plan can achieve for them?
The business plan presents a compelling case to develop the South Perth Train Station. The plan will be submitted to the Department of Transport’s draft Transport @ 3.5 Million: Perth Transport Plan and subsequently used to advocate and lobby the state government for the construction of the South Perth Train Station. The station has been promised by successive West Australian state governments since 2002. It is still yet to be delivered. The time has come for the current government to meet its commitment, reinstate costings for the South Perth Train Station and include them in the forward estimates.

I believe it was mentioned at the meeting that the train station wasn't included in the Perth Transport Plan, was that disappointing for the council?
Yes, it is very disappointing that the state government’s draft Transport @ 3.5 Million: Perth Transport Plan does not make any reference to the future provision of the South Perth Train Station. The City has been in consultation with the State Government and relevant Ministers for Transport and Planning for many years in relation to the proposed construction of the South Perth Train Station.

Does the council think its omission means the State Government aren't committed to the train station?
The omission of the South Perth Train Station in the draft Transport @ 3.5 Million: Perth Transport Plan indicates the State Government is not committed to the train station at this point in time. Council believes the updated South Perth Train Station Business Case will provide sufficient compelling evidence to convince the state government to commit funding for a train station in South Perth.

Does the council hope by including the train in the Perth Transport Plan that it becomes a higher?
priority for the State Government?
Yes, if the South Perth Train Station was to be included in the Transport @ 3.5 Million: Perth Transport Plan it would indicate the State Government’s commitment to prioritising and providing funding for this vital transport infrastructure that the City needs.

Why does the council believe the area needs a train station?
It is vital that the state government provide a wider range of transport options to accommodate the growing population and volume of traffic moving through the City of South Perth and specifically the South Perth Station Precinct. There is a massive push from the state government for urban infill but quite frankly the transport infrastructure is not behind it, which is frustrating as the number of vehicles on the City’s roads continue to increase. The City is responding to infill and this must be accompanied by the provision of adequate public transport infrastructure. The City of South Perth is not as fortunate as Claremont, Bayswater and Subiaco that all have train stations.

As outlined in the report, there is already a compelling case to build the train station. Given the residential apartments, and commercial and retail projects already under construction in the South Perth Station Precinct, this assessment shows that the South Perth Train Station could achieve boardings of some 4,365 to 5,447 people per day by 2026. This is far in excess of patronage numbers at numerous existing stations on Perth metro rail lines.

The train station would serve not only local residents commuting to and from the City, also act as a destination station for workers, students, visitors and tourists. In addition, it would service special large-scale events in the City such as Australia Day celebrations and act as a transfer station between rail and bus networks.

What benefits would the train station provide for the area?
The train station would provide improved access to the City’s community facilities, heritage and visitor attractions such as the Perth Zoo and South Perth foreshore. It would be much more than a commuter station and its value as a tourism asset would provide a significant added amenity.

With the growing population and increase in commercial and retail employment in the area, the train station would help to get people out of their cars, ease traffic and provide a transport alternative that’s easy, close and reliable. The provision of accessible and adequate public transport options is critical in achieving the vision for the South Perth Station Precinct.

What timeline is the council looking for the train station to be built and operational?
The City’s proposed timeline for the construction of the train station is within 10 years.

Does the council believe City of South Perth residents support the train station?
Yes, the Council believes there are many residents who support the train station and see the benefits that it would bring to the area.