❓ Question regarding the financial implications of rail safety and infrastructure requirements for fast-tracked housing developments around 10 train station precincts. The answer downplays the potential costs and impacts, stating existing policies manage noise and other issues will be addressed case-by-case.
AnsweredQoN 209Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Housing—Train station precincts
209. Hon Anthony Spagnolo to the parliamentary
secretary representing the Minister for Housing and Works:
I refer to the
government's November announcement that it would fast-track housing around 10
train station precincts and to the Property
Council WA Division Pre Budget submission 2026–27 , which raises the need
for significant rail mitigation works and enabling infrastructure to make these
precincts commercially viable.
(1) When did the minister first become
aware that substantial and costly rail safety and infrastructure requirements,
such as noise attenuation, vibration management and derailment protection,
would be needed to enable development in these precincts?
(2) How much will it cost?
209. Hon Anthony Spagnolo to the parliamentary
secretary representing the Minister for Housing and Works:
I refer to the
government's November announcement that it would fast-track housing around 10
train station precincts and to the Property
Council WA Division Pre Budget submission 2026–27 , which raises the need
for significant rail mitigation works and enabling infrastructure to make these
precincts commercially viable.
(1) When did the minister first become
aware that substantial and costly rail safety and infrastructure requirements,
such as noise attenuation, vibration management and derailment protection,
would be needed to enable development in these precincts?
(2) How much will it cost?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide the following on
behalf of the Minister for Housing and Works.
The Property Council WA Division Pre Budget submission
2026–27 states:
The Government's decision to centralise
planning control for 10 station precincts under the Western Australian Planning
Commission (WAPC) is a positive and necessary shift. Consistent, state-led
planning will remove unnecessary local barriers and provide clearer pathways
for higher-density development.
(1) Precinct
planning includes land up to an 800-metre radius of each of the 10 stations.
Only a very small number of properties within this radius may be affected
by road and rail operations. Noise impacts are already managed under State Planning Policy 5.4: Road and Rail Noise .
In the very limited situations where vibration or derailment are
considerations, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
(2) Not applicable.
honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide the following on
behalf of the Minister for Housing and Works.
The Property Council WA Division Pre Budget submission
2026–27 states:
The Government's decision to centralise
planning control for 10 station precincts under the Western Australian Planning
Commission (WAPC) is a positive and necessary shift. Consistent, state-led
planning will remove unnecessary local barriers and provide clearer pathways
for higher-density development.
(1) Precinct
planning includes land up to an 800-metre radius of each of the 10 stations.
Only a very small number of properties within this radius may be affected
by road and rail operations. Noise impacts are already managed under State Planning Policy 5.4: Road and Rail Noise .
In the very limited situations where vibration or derailment are
considerations, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
(2) Not applicable.
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