There’s been some updates on several of the Shoreline Estate infrastructure projects being handled by City of Cockburn and Development WA.
Underground Power
Undergrounding of the high-voltage power line cables along Bennett Avenue has been delayed by Western Power due to broader network issues, in particular concerns about network contingency for the Fremantle area including critical services at Fremantle Hospital.
The works are being managed directly by Western Power, however Development WA have been advised that the current timeframe for completion is the end of October 2024.
Development WA have indicated they will shortly update the project FAQ’s (which can be accessed via: Shoreline - FAQs - DevelopmentWA - Shaping our State's future.
Pedestrian Bridge
Based on current modelling, and without significant intervention, there is a high risk that the coastal path, bridge footings on the western side, Robb Road, and the rail line may be affected by coastal erosion.
A map of the bridge concept with the current anticipated coastal erosion lines (out to 2110 including two different projections of sea level rise) overlaid, is shown above :
GHD were commissioned by the City earlier this year to prepare a new Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP). This is highly complex specialist work that’s not expected to be completed for at least a another 18 months. The City has also been monitoring the fringing reef installation, which if successful may be a more financially viable option in reducing coastal erosion than more traditional methods (seawalls, groynes, etc).
It would not be prudent to spend both City ratepayer and developer funding on infrastructure which is at risk of coastal erosion.
In the interim, the City is seeking to resolve land tenure arrangements with the Western Australian Planning Commission who own all the land west of the railway line.
The design parameters imposed by the Public Transport Authority and freight rail line operator (ARC Infrastructure) include a requirement to accommodate double-stacked freight traffic, which in combination with mandatory universal access requirements, adds significant length and cost to the bridge.
The pedestrian bridge is part of a Development Contribution Plan 13 item (Cockburn Coast Foreshore) for which the City is collecting part of the funding. This means as well as the practical matters set out above, the City also has a statutory obligation to programme and build it as things currently stand. This could be changed, however that would also take a substantial amount of time (the process is known as a ‘Complex Local Planning Scheme Amendment’.
Civic Park
As the bridge construction will require the use of heavy machinery – including cranes that will cause significant disturbance to the surrounding land – Development WA have advised that they will not develop the park until the issues associated with the bridge are resolved, then it can be installed ahead or at the same time.
In the interim, Development WA have been advancing the design for the park, including the public art component to ensure it can be delivered as soon as the site is de-constrained and the necessary funding is available. The park, while not formally part of the developers 10% public open space (POS) requirement, is part of their obligation to manage contamination removed from the broader development. Beneath the park there will be a geo-textile layer to contain this material – it is undesirable to disturb this layer once it is in place.
Open spaces which are part of the 10% POS requirement have already been delivered.
Alternative Beach Access
At this point in time it is difficult to anticipate when the bridge may be installed.
The planned rail crossing at the future extension of Jetty Avenue may ultimately provide a comparable access distance for existing residents to the beach. The existing pedestrian crossing at Rollinson Road is already at a comparable distance to some residents. Given the gradient of the proposed bridge, it’s length is substantial at approximately 330m.
Development WA have not indicated when this crossing might be installed, but due to similar complexities and costs, is unlikely to be considered in the absence of significant further development in the area.
Comments