The City's response to Fremantle Herald about the Cockburn-Thornlie Metronet Link, 23.1.25 (published 30.5.25)
Question: What will the opening of the Cockburn/Thornlie link, due later this year, mean for Cockburn and its residents?
Answer: The City welcomes the opening of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link. A connected City makes it easy for people of all ages and abilities to move around and provides accessible places to live, work and recreate.
The new link will only enhance Cockburn Central’s position as a regional centre in Perth’s south, bringing visitors in from the south, north and east to explore all that Cockburn has to offer including Cockburn Gateway, the forthcoming Aventuur surf park in Jandakot, and a wonderful array of free community events. The award-winning Cockburn ARC is an attraction in its own right and also home to the Dockers AFL club. The Link will also enable Cockburn residents to venture east including to Perth Stadium for a variety of high-profile events, including AFL matches.
Question: What economic impact does the City anticipate once the service is operating?
Answer: The anticipation is that visitors will be drawn to Cockburn Central but will also venture further into Cockburn to experience nature at the wetlands of the Beeliar Regional Park, the Cockburn Wetlands Precinct including WA Wildlife, ancient examples of Nyungar history and habitation, to tourist destinations including Adventure World, Cockburn Ice Arena and OuttaBounds golf entertainment in North Lake. In addition, our pristine beaches, Port Coogee Marina and the popular dive and snorkel opportunities at Coogee Maritime Trail and its accessible heritage-listed Omeo wreck will result in a significant increase in visitors, all contributing to the economic health of Cockburn as people spend more time and money.
These fun-seekers will also observe the abundant local opportunities for employment and housing, perhaps attracting new residents to what is already a popular growth area.
Question: Does the City have any data on what residents are likely to use the rail line for and how that might reduce the number of car journeys?
Answer: Projections indicate by 2031 the volume of traffic using the City’s road network is likely to exceed the capacity on many major arterial roads during peak hours. While new roads and road upgrades may be appropriate in some locations, this alone will not solve the problem. This key rail connection will provide an alternative option for people to readily access the attractions of Cockburn Central, providing positive opportunities both to residents and businesses.
Question: Has the City made approaches to the state government about continuing the link from Cockburn through to Fremantle along the same freight line, and if so what response did it receive? If that link were continued, would it open up a huge opportunity for an accelerated development of the corridor through Munster and along the Cockburn Coast for high-density housing?
Answer: The transition to more sustainable transport modes, like public transport, is part of the City’s long-term vision to manage our next exciting phase of growth. This is outlined in the recently adopted
Local Planning Strategy, Integrated Transport Strategy and District Transport Study (2024). It is an ongoing action for the City to promote and lobby for the transportation benefits of the Fremantle to Cockburn Central High Priority Transit Corridor.
Some of the approaches and feedback to date recognise the benefits of the corridor, such as:
The responsibility for detailed business cases and exploration of route design rests with the State Government. The
strategic planning for the Cockburn Coast development already anticipates delivery of a rapid transit route. This was integral to the density and vision proposed by the State Government when the land was earmarked for urbanisation more than 15 years ago.
It is important to remember the provision of public transport is only one aspect to support higher density housing. There are other important location and infrastructure needs to be considered.
Question: Is there anything else the mayor would like to add about the Cockburn/Thornlie link reaching its latest testing stage?
Answer: The City is a great supporter of public transport because it encourages greater social connection, reduces traffic congestion, promotes sustainable living and is hands down, better for the environment in terms of cutting carbon emissions.
Being home to Perth’s first east-west Metronet line is a boon for Cockburn residents, businesses and visitors, opening up a whole new world of discovery and opportunity.
As this vital phase of testing begins we can expect the excitement and anticipation to grow both here in Cockburn and all along the Mandurah and Armadale lines. We welcome newcomers to Cockburn and encourage them to stay awhile, and experience Perth’s best playground. Cockburn – get amongst it!