Perth Voice Interactive

THE Public Transport Authority has downed tools after been caught doing railworks in East Perth without planning approval or going through consultation.

Local residents were incensed when the PTA started expanding the sidings at Claisebrook—behind their houses—without any community consultation.

PTA spokesperson David Hynes says the PTA had thought it owned the land so approval wasn’t required.

“This was our understanding at the time—we have since found that we must, in fact, obtain planning approvals from the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority to make changes at the site.

“All work on the site has now stopped while we seek approval from the MRA, and senior representatives of the PTA have met the residents to discuss their concerns.

“As part of the MRA process residents will be able to make submissions.”

Tully Road Action Group has submitted a 50-signature petition to Perth city council with concerns about the expansion, which backs onto Tully Road and Stokes Way.

“Our main concerns are with visual and noise pollution and the loss of our nature buffer,” says TRAG spokesperson Peter Kroll.

“There will be extra train carriages shunting back and forward and the potential for the loss of mature trees and shrubs, which form a natural sound barrier.”

“Under the expansion, the number of sidings will be increased from two to five and it will extend up to Victory Terrace.”

Mr Hynes says the PTA will carry out an independent noise assessment.

“We had already engaged an environmental consultant at the time the residents raised their concerns, and it was our intent that we would be guided by the report as to what measures could be taken to mitigate possible noise impacts.

“A high noise wall had always been contemplated.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK