Home›Questions on Notice›QoN 6473

❓ Mr. Marmion questions the Minister for Transport and Planning regarding noise restrictions, studies, and impacts related to Perth's passenger rail lines, particularly concerning the Forrestfield-Airport Link (FAL) and Morley-Ellenbrook Line (MEL). The Minister's answers indicate existing regulations don't apply to train operations, construction must comply with regulations, and environmental approvals are ongoing.

AnsweredQoN 6473Legislative Assembly

Asked

14 October 2020

Member

Mr W.R. Marmion

Portfolio

Transport; Planning

QuestionView source ↗

(1) Can the Minister advise if there are any noise restrictions or limits on normal operations of Perth's passenger rail line operations and if so what are they? (2) Can the Minister advise if there are any noise restrictions or limits on the construction activities associated with Perth's passenger rail line and if so what are they? (3) For the construction of the Perth airport rail line between Bayswater and Forrestfield, were noise studies undertaken as part of the environmental approval process, and if so, what conditions were placed upon the project by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA): (a) Were noise estimates undertaken for the likely increased frequency and increased decibel readings for residential houses close to this new rail corridor at peak operational times; and (b) If so, what were the increased noise frequencies and readings predicted for the worst case scenarios for residents and what are these locations? (4) For the proposed construction of the rail line between Bayswater and Ellenbrook, were noise studies undertaken as part of the environmental approval process, and if so, what conditions were placed upon the project by the EPA: (a) Were noise estimates undertaken for the likely increased frequency and increased decibel readings for residential houses close to this new rail corridor at peak operational times; and (b) If so, what were the increased noise frequencies and readings predicted for the worst case scenarios for residents and what are these locations? (5) Have baseline noise readings been taken on the Perth metropolitan train corridor between Perth and Claremont, and if so, when were these undertaken and what were the results? (6) Have noise modelling studies been undertaken to predict the increase in noise frequency and decibel readings of the increased rail traffic on the Perth to Claremont line when the Bayswater to Forrestfield line becomes operational: (a) If so, what are these noise readings; and (b) What residential locations will be most affected along the Perth to Claremont corridor? (7) Have noise modelling studies been undertaken to predict the increase in noise frequency and decibel readings of the increased rail traffic on the Perth to Claremont line when the Bayswater to Ellenbrook line becomes operational: (a) If so, what are these noise readings; and (b) What residential locations will be most affected along the Perth to Claremont corridor? (8) For the section of the rail corridor that runs adjacent to the new Subiaco-East Precinct, will rail movements increase three fold when both the Ellenbrook and Perth Airport lines are fully operational, and if not, what will be the increased movements? (9) For the section of the rail corridor that runs adjacent to the new Subiaco-East Precinct, what is the predicted increase in noise frequency and volumes when both the Ellenbrook and Perth Airport lines are fully operational? (10) Has the EPA been consulted on what noise studies need to be undertaken for the approval of the construction activities around Claremont Station to cater for the increased rail movements and have they been consulted on what permanent noise mitigation works may be necessary along the Perth to Claremont corridor resulting from the increased corridor movements?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered

17 November 2020

Responded by

Minister for Transport; Planning

Response time

11 days

(1) The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (Regulations) do not apply to noise from train operations on Perth's existing passenger lines.
(2) Construction activities associated with upgrades or extension of the rail network are required to comply with the Regulations.
(3) Yes – no noise related conditions were placed upon the project by the Environmental Protection Authority.
(4) Yes, noise studies were completed as part of the environmental approval process. This process is ongoing.
(5) Yes; 2019; 60dB
(6) Refer to (3).
(7) Refer to (4).
(8) The operational timetable for the network following the commencement of both FAL and MEL services will be finalised closer to the commencement of operations.
9) Refer to answers (6), (7) and (8).
(10) Consultation with the EPA for the Claremont Station Project was not required. Refer to answer (3) above regarding FAL and (4) regarding MEL.

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