Department of Transport Annual Report 2010 - 2011

Cycling infrastructure
The Perth Bicycle Network comprises a network of cycling facilities to enable safe
and enjoyable cycling in Perth. A number of regional towns also have specific facilities
for cycling.
In 2010-11, the Government allocated $1.9 million to plan and construct shared paths
and other cycling facilities. Forty-three metropolitan projects were completed during
the year through the Local Government Grants Program, which involves matching
funding between the State Government and local government authorities.
In 2010-11, the Regional Bicycle Network program allocated $750,000 to regional
councils on a matching dollar for dollar basis, resulting in 29 completed projects in
the year.
Public Transport Network Plan
A long term plan to guide future investment in public transport infrastructure was
completed in 2010-11 and endorsed by Cabinet for a three month public consultation
period. It was prepared under the guidance of an independent panel of experts.
The Public Transport Network Plan (PTNP) is based on a vision for public transport
to become the preferred means of travel to the Perth CBD and strategic centres,
and will be a key enabling factor in realising the Government’s Directions 2031 urban
planning strategy.
The PTNP highlights a number of potential strategies for public transport in Perth,
including a $4 billion investment in new railcars and buses, extension of the Joondalup
line to Yanchep, a spur line from the Midland Line to the airport, introduction of
a light rail network in the inner city area, new train stations and interchanges and
180 kilometres of bus priority lanes.
The Government allocated $5.8 million in the 2011-12 budget to progress concept
development and feasibility studies for a number of priority projects over the next
two years.
Regional Freight Transport Plan
The rapidly expanding Western Australian economy is generating a significant freight
task, especially for movements from Perth to regional areas where major resources
projects are being developed or expanded. This requires large investment decisions
in port facilities, railways and the road network by Government and the private sector.
This project will define the principal freight network for regional Western Australia,
investment priorities over the next two decades and a clear context for new policy
decisions in relation to the role of Government and the private sector for infrastructure
investment, regulation for the safe and efficient movement of freight and opportunities
to change the way freight is moved. It largely focuses on ‘business unusual’ freight
demands (i.e. non incremental activity), especially related to the resources sector.
The project has involved extensive consultation with transport operators, rail, road
and port infrastructure providers, industry and local governments. Major workshops
were held in May 2011 at eight regional centres.
The Regional Freight Transport Plan is a key element of the State-wide transport
policy and planning framework, and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.
Integrated freight planning for Perth
During the year, work commenced on the Moving Freight Network Plan for Perth and
Peel. This project will define Perth’s primary and secondary freight network, identify
investment priorities over the next two decades and provide a clear strategy for how
road and rail freight operations can be optimised to provide efficient movement of
freight.
A key element of the Moving Freight Network Plan has been an assessment of the
capacity of the freight railway through the metropolitan area and the impact of rail
freight on road level crossings. This work recognised the significant pressure for
export of resource commodities through Cockburn Sound and identified the cost and
timing for investment in grade separation.
Work was also completed on a staging plan and selecting the most appropriate
site for development of an intermodal freight terminal in Kewdale. Funding has been
provided by the State and Commonwealth governments for this facility and other
rail-related investments. The funding will underpin a strategy to increase transport
of containers in the metropolitan area by rail.
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