Given the size of the Yanchep Rail Extension, minimising environmental and community impacts is a key focus.
Travelling through existing and planned developments, the majority of the 14.5km long rail extension will be in a cutting to reduce noise and improve overall amenity for nearby residents and businesses.
The rail alignment will travel through one Parks and Recreation reserve and a Bush Forever site. Every effort has been made to minimise impact on these areas, including considering alternative alignments. However, the undulating landscape, tight rail curve (not conforming to railway design standards) and impact on existing and future residents meant these options were not viable.
The Alkimos Parks and Recreation reserve will have a fauna underpass to maintain fauna linkage in the area, and options for ecological linkages are being assessed for the Bush Forever site. Every effort will be made to minimise impacts in these areas.
Flora management
Some clearing is required for the Yanchep Rail Extension, which will require approval under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
Fauna management
The project will deliver one fauna underpass through the Alkimos Parks and Recreation reserve and ecological linkage options are being explored through the Bush Forever site to ensure animal movements are not isolated as a result of the railway through these areas.
During construction, before clearing begins, a fauna trapping and relocation program will be undertaken. Relocation will be undertaken by a verified specialist. Fencing will be erected as soon as possible to prevent the movement of fauna into the works area.
Noise, vibration and light
To minimise impacts on the current and future residential
developments, the Yanchep Rail Extension will mostly be built in a
cutting, with developers required to have appropriate setbacks from the
rail reserve (via road reserves or public open space) and homes in the
‘first row’ facing the route encouraged to implement ‘
quiet house design’
Noise walls will be constructed as required, based on modelling
outcomes and in consultation with land developers to minimise residual
impact. To manage vibration near residential properties, ballast matting
will be installed under the railway where it is located next to
existing and future residential developments.
Lighting of the principal-shared path and station areas will be
directed away from residential properties as much as possible and will
be assessed during the final design stages.
Aboriginal Heritage
No registered Aboriginal Heritage Sites are identified within, or in
close proximity to, the Yanchep Rail Extension. An archaeological
survey, heritage surveys and Aboriginal consultation was undertaken to
identify the heritage value of the rail corridor and surrounding area.
As a result, specialist Aboriginal monitoring personnel will be engaged
during the initial vegetation clearing stages at the station sites to
further ensure there are no heritage sites or artefacts located within
these areas.