Cape Peron Transport Needs Study

The study, a requirement of the Cape Peron Implementation Committee, was undertaken by Stantec, with inputs from Department of Defence, Department of Planning Lands and Heritage, and the City of Rockingham, to understand the current situation, and to inform future work required by state and federal governments to effect a resolution.

It examined the local road network within Cape Peron and external connections, and considered forecast future traffic demand and its impact on roads and intersections.

The study looked at the broader transport implications of the AUKUS defence project on the transport network in the Cape Peron area, and possible timeframes for when proposed changes would be needed.

The findings show that traffic movement within the Cape Peron area is already at capacity during morning and afternoon peak periods, particularly along Parkin Street.

City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin said the need for state and federal investment in the local road network is pressing. “Parkin Street currently carries almost 10,000 vehicles per day. That volume of traffic is causing significant queuing at peak times”, she said. 

The study shows that if no improvements are made, the Safety Bay Road/Parkin Street intersection and the Memorial Drive/Point Peron Road intersection are projected to fail, and have an unacceptable level of service in peak hours, by 2030, and only get worse in the following years.

One potential solution to reduce pressure on the overworked local road network could be the construction of the Garden Island Highway, which has been reserved for that purpose in the Metropolitan Region Scheme since 1975.

The City has advocated to the state and federal governments for many years to progress a feasibility study to determine the viability of constructing the Garden Island Highway within the existing reservation.

The City’s advocacy recognises that part of the Garden Island Highway reserve is delicately placed between Lake Richmond and existing housing, and the requested studies will assist in determining if this option is viable or not.   

This position was reaffirmed at the 23 October Council meeting, but with the additional requirement that the feasibility study considers the technical evidence-based findings of the Cape Peron Transport Needs Study.

The City is also advocating for state and federal government funding to upgrade the staggered T-intersection at Parkin Street/Point Peron Rd and Hymus Street to a roundabout.  

For more information read the Cape Peron Transport Study FAQs.