Advocating for a rapid transit corridor between Cockburn and Fremantle and continued planning for sustainable, green pedestrian and cycling infrastructure are among objectives outlined in the City of Cockburn Integrated Transport Strategy 2020-2030 (ITS).
The strategy aims to enable residents and visitors to move safely, efficiently and sustainably around the City, and was adopted by Cockburn Council in November 2020.
City of Cockburn Head of Planning Carol Catherwood said, in line with long term state and federal government planning, the City was committed to advocating for and providing transport networks to the places where people live and work as the local population continues to grow to nearly 150,000 by 2030.
“It takes time to improve transport networks and requires a coordinated approach by all levels of government – local, state and federal, and this strategy is an integral part of achieving the best outcomes for our community,” Ms Catherwood said.
The City’s 2018 District Traffic Study found that without modification to the road network, including transport mode changes like increased prevalence of cycling and walking, the local road network would exceed capacity by 2031.
“As space for more roads and transport-related infrastructure continues to decline, we strongly encourage our community to cycle, walk or car share wherever possible – this is the only long-term sustainable way to alleviate traffic congestion and the ITS provides a clear strategy to achieve that.
“The ITS will guide the City’s Parking Plan, Walking and Cycling Network Plan, Road Safety Strategy and TravelSmart Plan.
“It also strongly ties into the City’s strategic planning and economic development vision to reduce our community’s travel needs by providing excellent employment opportunities and places to recreate, right here in Cockburn.”
Informed by a wide range of community consultation, the ITS employs six objectives designed to manage congestion, advocate for improved public transport and support alternate modes of travel when making decisions around future transport and land-use planning.
Some proposals up for further investigation include road upgrades for Beeliar Drive/Mayor Road between Stock and Cockburn roads, and collaboration with Main Roads WA (MRWA) and the City of Fremantle to determine if Cockburn Coast Drive, in a MRWA road reserve on Manning Ridge, is warranted or if its function can be provided on the current Cockburn Road alignment.
If supported, the road’s alignment, design and functionality would then need to consider how to minimise impact on environmental, ridgeline and landscape values, protect recreational and community connectivity, infrastructure and significant trees, manage bushfire risk, consider community benefits and respect Aboriginal and European heritage.
The six ITS objectives are:
- Improve regional connectivity while protecting local needs
- Implement green infrastructure into road planning and design
- Enable transition to sustainable travel mode choices such as walking and cycling
- Improve public transport service levels and access to them
- Plan transport networks to support where people live and work
- Continue to enable the best outcomes for transit-oriented development around Cockburn Central and Aubin Grove train stations
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Find out more about the ITS on the City’s
website.