Ellenbrook comms tower moved for rail line

A telecommunications tower has been moved to make space for a future METRONET station precinct at Ellenbrook.

The 88 m Dampier-to-Bunbury gas pipeline telecommunications mast had been considered a major obstacle to the commercial and residential expansion of the existing townsite.

Its removal paves the way for new development to take place, bringing with it new job opportunities, economic benefits, and improved retail and lifestyle choices for local residents.

“So much work is going on behind the scenes to ensure we can transition from detailed planning and consultation to starting construction of the Morley–Ellenbrook Line in 2019,” said Transport Minister Rita Saffioti.

“We have had community forums, surveys and awarded tenders for the design and engineering services — the project has a lot of momentum and community support.

“The removal of the tower frees up important land in the Ellenbrook town centre for a future train station precinct that all residents can enjoy.”

The mast’s removal also opens up the northern end of a public transit corridor running between Reid Highway and the Ellenbrook town centre to support planning and route alignment studies for the Morley–Ellenbrook rail line, being undertaken as part of METRONET.

The removal and disposal of the mast was a collaborative process between Main Roads Western Australia, the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) and the Public Transport Authority. The $5 million cost to remove it was included within the New Lord Street project.

The safe removal and disposal of the mast was successfully completed in March 2018, with a section of the steelwork donated to the Ellenbrook Men’s Shed, where it will be scrapped and re-used on some of the organisation’s not-for-profit projects.

WAPC will continue to work with prospective developers to bring forward plans for the expansion of the Ellenbrook town centre.

“It is absolutely brilliant that the telecommunications tower has been moved so quickly. These are the first works to be completed at the future Ellenbrook Station site. Along with the Lord Street duplication, this is laying the foundations for the train line to Ellenbrook,” said Swan Hills MLA Jessica Shaw.

“This is the missing piece for our town. The station precinct will transform Ellenbrook, creating business opportunities and jobs for local residents.

“Minister Saffioti and her team should be commended for the energy and effort that they’re putting into this project. After 20 years, the people of Ellenbrook are finally getting the train line that they need and deserve.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Lane Erickson

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