A proper noise wall along Hepburn Avenue in Ballajura will start construction in early 2019, replacing an ineffective sand bund, as promised by West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti before the 2017 State Election.
The $5 million limestone wall was a key election commitment, and is being constructed along a 4.5 kilometre section of Hepburn Avenue from Bellefin Drive to just west of Marangaroo Drive.
It will replace the sand bunds that were previously in place, which had eroded over time and in some cases led to crime issues for residents abutting the bunds. A local survey suggested that 90 per cent of residents were in favour of the wall.
A poorly vegetated sand bund east of Bellefin Drive has already been removed as part of the NorthLink WA initiative. Meanwhile, the bunds west of Bellefin Drive will be restored with more vegetation remaining in place with the wall built behind it.
Preparatory work to build an access track for construction works is set to begin in early December with construction of the wall commencing in January 2019.
The limestone wall will be constructed by Great Northern Connect and completed mid-next year.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“This project fulfils another WA Labor election commitment.
“Traffic on Hepburn Avenue will increase once the NorthLink WA project is complete. This wall will reduce noise and significantly improve amenity for residents in this area.
“Residents in properties where the limestone wall will replace their existing back fence will be contacted by GNC prior to works commencing, and I appreciate their patience during construction of the wall.”
As stated by Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman:
“The situation with the current sand bund has been creating a number of issues for residents.
“Once the new wall is constructed, residents will have greatly improved amenity.
“Residents will also be pleased to hear that funding has also gone towards improving the more effective bunds west of Bellefin Drive with more vegetation.”
