Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia (EPA) recommended the approval of the Forrestfield Airport Link, which will extend Perth’s rail network.
EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said that potential environmental impacts on flora and vegetation at the Forrestfield station were identified as the key factor requiring evaluation by the EPA. Offsets were also specified to counterbalance the significant residual impacts to flora and vegetation. “The proposal directly impacts on the ‘Banksia woodlands over species rich dense shrublands’ community, identified as a threatened ecological community because it is very restricted,” Vogel said.
Forrestfield-Airport Link will connect Forrestfield to the city with a new train line. It will open up the eastern suburbs to the rail network for the first time and give Perth Airport users a five-minute faster option than by car. Connecting with the existing Midland line near Bayswater Station, the majority of the rail link will be tunnelled underground to ensure minimal impact on the existing land and road network.
The authorities intend to award the construction contract in mid-2016, with the first train operating being set for 2020.
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