Morley-Ellenbrook Line – Outstanding Achievement

The delivery of the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line (MEL) Project in Perth shows what can be achieved through collaborative partnerships.

The project is being delivered by the MELconnx Alliance, which consists of the Public Transport Authority (PTA) and Laing O’Rourke. The project is being delivered through the Office of Major Transport Infrastructure Delivery (OMTID), which combines teams from both the PTA and Main Roads WA. The new 21 km line will connect Bayswater Station on the Midland Line to Ellenbrook, passing through Morley, Noranda, Ballajura (formerly Malaga), and Whiteman Park.

MEL has been designed with a strong focus on sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices throughout its lifecycle.

MEL has achieved several significant milestones this year. It was awarded the first-ever IS v2.0/2.1 Design certification for a rail project in Australia or New Zealand, receiving a ’Gold’ design certification. Additionally, Ellenbrook Station received a 6 Star Green Star As Built certification, with 89 points - the highest score to date for an Australian railway station. Malaga Station has also been awarded a 6 Star As Built rating.

The MEL project has achieved great sustainability outcomes. Notably, has exceeded all its contractual targets, including life cycle carbon targets with a 19% materials reduction (target: 15%), a 39% water reduction (target: 15%), and a 33% energy reduction (target: 10%).

Social and economic standouts include $56Million spent with 52 local Indigenous businesses, employing 5.5% Indigenous staff and 11 Indigenous Traineeships completed on the Project.

The project has pioneered the use of Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) in station landscaping topsoil. It was the first project to utilise Crushed Recycled Content in basecourse in carparks on any PTA asset. Both of these initiatives set a new precedent within the Western Australian market, and will drive industry to use higher portions of recycled materials.

These results were as a result of the collaboration between diverse stakeholders. The MEL delivery team worked with the client (OMTID/PTA) to ensure that sustainability was prioritised and enabled. Initially, there was no Sustainability representative on the Alliance Management Team (AMT). Through collaborative influence, the MELconnx Sustainability Manager is now represented on the AMT, ensuring that sustainability is prioritised and integrated into leadership decisions. The Sustainability representative is also the only female on the AMT, helping to improve diversity in the construction industry.

Another example of collaboration to achieve outstanding sustainability outcomes was with the review of the project’s Key Results Areas. The MELconnx delivery team and Client worked together towards the end of 2023 to ensure that key sustainability outcomes were financially incentivised to ensure that they do not get disregarded towards the end of the project, when schedule and budget pressures mount. This ensured that the extra effort required to get difficult initiatives over the line was compensated for appropriately, ensuring that Client priorities were achieved and exceeded.

From the outset, MEL aimed to improve connectivity and accessibility to the rapidly growing northern suburbs of Perth. What it also delivered was connectivity in stakeholder partnerships.

The MEL project has implemented some fantastic initiatives and outcomes through collaboration across industry, best illustrated by the example of FOGO. The Client OMTID/PTA had a strong drive to increase the use of FOGO on its major infrastructure projects. Despite the MELConnx Alliance being on board, there was resistance from industry due to concerns about FOGO’s impact on native plants.

Facing these barriers, Client and contractor joined forces. OMTID updated the PTA specifications to preference the use of FOGO. OMTID hosted a FOGO “MythBusters” workshop event in July 2023 with broad representation from industry. The MELConnx delivery team in turn included FOGO in subcontracts and developed a pioneering two-year FOGO trial. As a result of this collaborative effort, 946 tonnes of FOGO compost have been used in topsoil to date, saving an estimated 1,166 tonnes of CO2 by diverting waste from landfill. The implementation and trial will inform industry practices and promote the use of FOGO and other recycled materials in large projects and broader industry.

Collaboration has also led to other fantastic sustainability outcomes on the MEL project:

• It is home to Western Australia’s first 50kVa hybrid solar battery which powers the Whiteman Park Station site. This initiative sourced >55,000 kWh from solar energy, saving >45,000 litres of diesel and >149 tCO2 compared to traditional diesel generators. It also improved workforce conditions by reducing noise and air pollution.
• A 500kW solar system has been rolled out across all five MEL stations, projected to generate ~780,000 kWh/annum (~546 tCO2/annum saved). This is a significant step towards lowering the carbon footprint of public transport infrastructure.
• Each station on the MEL line features 10 bays for Electric Vehicles. These chargers were installed in the 23/24 financial year. They were a late addition to the project, and therefore required collaboration to be implemented. Their addition contributes to the Western Australian State Electric Vehicle Strategy.
• MEL achieved a 54% cement substitution using ~25,800 tonnes of ground granulated blast furnace slag, resulting in substantial CO2 savings of >19,000 tonnes.
• The project achieved a 39% reduction in irrigation water usage through native planting and drip irrigation systems.
• 5.9ML of construction water was saved through novel Australian first ‘dam covers’.
• Significant economic outcomes for the local economy, with $19Million spend on public artwork with 11 local and 6 Indigenous artists.
• Significant social outcomes for the local workforce, 261 Indigenous employees, with 11 completed Traineeships.

These initiatives have collectively led the MEL project to exceed its sustainability targets, achieving a cumulative impact reduction of 27.8% tCO2 (energy + materials) compared to a business-as-usual approach.

In addition to the outcomes listed above, MEL achieved a notable ISC Design rating outcome, and excelled in particular credits.

• Eco-1 Ecological value – 71% overall ecological enhancement. This is due to clearing savings but also the extensive offsets, including on-ground offsets at Whiteman Park.
• Attained Level 3 for Pla-2. This is due to urban placemaking being paramount on the MEL project, with significant Heritage Enhancement through Indigenous and European heritage interpretation strategies.
• Energy (Ene-1: Energy reductions) and (Ene-2: Renewable Energy) due to 500kW of solar PV installation, 50 EV charging stations, as well as construction program efficiencies and large reductions in project clearing.

MEL has shared their outcomes, lessons learned and knowledge in various forums. They have made several presentations at OMTID’s Quarterly Sustainability Knowledge Sharing Forums, including about there IS rating, as well as arranging a site tour of the Whiteman Park hybrid solar system. This forum is attended by all of the projects being delivered by the PTA, and the lessons learned are therefore transferred to other contractors, consultants as well as the client.

MEL also presented at the Green Building Day in May 2024 in Perth, highlighting their sustainability outcomes, sharing lessons learnt and successful strategies that saw the achievement of 6 Star As-Built outcomes.

Alita Hancock, METRONET Sustainability Strategy Lead, said “The MEL project team has deliberately prioritised sustainable outcomes at all stages of design and construction, exploring opportunities and initiatives which have delivered infrastructure which exemplifies the commitment to sustainability at the core of the METRONET program.

The project’s collaborative approach has not only led to impactful outcomes, but also impactful partnerships.

The sustainability outcomes on the MEL project benefitted multiple internal and external stakeholders. The partnerships build have benefitted the entire WA industry by enabling pioneering outcomes that set a new standard.

The hybrid solar battery reduced potential health hazards to the surrounding community as reduced air and noise pollution from BAU diesel generator equipment and associated emissions can often impact on nearby residents. It demonstrates commitment from MELconnx Alliance, the PTA and METRONET to reduce carbon emissions in line with state government policies and targets and adopt new technologies to improve energy efficiency.

Station designs incorporate heritage and cultural context of the unique Project sites within the urban and landscape design, including tangible and intangible heritage values. The designs were developed from extensive stakeholder engagement, including input from expert indigenous Noongar reference groups, providing essential representation and truth-telling.

The landscape design supports the realisation of good landscape design for community amenity, lower maintenance costs, environmental values, green infrastructure, heritage values and incorporation of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). The landscape incorporates drought tolerant/native species, reducing reliance on ongoing irrigation (water) requirements. Additionally, majority of permanent irrigation has been significantly reduced, reducing water consumption over the entire asset lifecycle.

The MEL project was the first to implement new PTA specifications that allowed for the use of FOGO and crushed recycled concrete in carparks. While allowed in the specifications, the project still faced pushback from both designers and subcontractors. Through collaboration to resolve issues, the project has used FOGO as well as 16,438 tonnes of crushed recycled concrete at the Noranda and Malaga car parks, leading to CO2 savings of 1,102 tonnes. This will benefit the WA waste industry by demonstrating the successful uptake of recycled material in large transport infrastructure projects.

The MEL project has pioneered innovations and set high standards for the delivery of sustainability outcomes. The project (both Client and contractor) has continuously shared their knowledge with external parties, to ensure that the whole industry and state benefits from their work and lessons learned.

Linda van Achterbergh, Sustainability Manager for the Public Transport Authority, said “The fantastic outcomes we’ve achieved on MEL demonstrates we are delivering world-leading sustainable transport infrastructure right here in Western Australia. It is as a result of the culture of collaboration we’ve fostered, and will set new benchmarks for our projects going forward”.

A significant, tangible legacy has resulted from the many initiatives, innovations and sustainable outcomes on the MEL project, which specifically align to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

“UN SDG-4. Quality Education”

Incorporation of traditional knowledge and language into public spaces serves as an educational tool, providing the community with education about Indigenous cultures, history, stories and language, promoting lifelong learning and invaluable cultural education. In addition, traineeship support for workforce, including Indigenous trainees, has seen the achievement of numerous qualifications and future work opportunities.

“UN SDG-8 Decent Work and Economic Growth”

Upskilling and supporting Aboriginal Businesses creates economic opportunities and work opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs and their associated employees, contributing to economic growth and development. Aboriginal employment and training will significantly contribute to Aboriginal employees gaining valuable, transferable skills that enhance their employability and career prospects into the future.
“UN SDG Goal 9 Build resilient infrastructure…and foster innovation”

Pioneers in driving innovation and industry “firsts” that will leave a lasting legacy in the WA market, MELconnx have also driven uptake on a number of recycled material initiatives within difficult applications, not widely accepted in industry yet . Early results of these trials have already resulted in industry-knowledge-sharing with other projects and with the client, debunking resistances to implementation.

“UN SDG-10 Reduced Inequalities”

Cultural Recognition that embeds Indigenous cultures into public spaces, serves to reduce inequalities by promoting inclusivity and representation. This work addresses the marginalisation of Indigenous communities and supports equal opportunities that leave a legacy of respect and recognition, as well as representation and acknowledgement.

“UN SDG-12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”

The MEL project has achieved fantastic outcomes in improving resource efficiency. In particular, pioneering the use of recycled materials such as crushed recycled concrete and FOGO in major applications, benefitting the WA waste industry through successful use in major projects. Boldness to be the “first” creates a culture-shift towards circular economy outcomes. In addition, landfill diversion rates of 99% C&D Waste and 79% for all waste streams, to date also support this SDG.

“UN SDG-16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions”

By supporting truth-telling and accurate representation of Indigenous cultures, initiatives incorporated on the project contribute to greater justice and strengthening of institutions that honour cultural diversity and historical accuracy.

“UN SDG-17. …Partnership for sustainable development”

Living by the true Alliance partnership delivery-model has successfully achieved a number of SDG outcomes on one of Perth’s largest infrastructure projects, demonstrating persistent commitment to push for better outcomes in industry. The partnerships that have been fostered as a result of the MEL project will result in a culture shift in industry, to focus on collaboration. The MEL project saw collaboration between Client, contractors, designers, suppliers, as well as specification and asset owners to pivot BaU requirements to maximise uptake of replacement materials.

Several significant sustainability milestones, exceeding contractual targets, have already left a compounding sustainability legacy, strengthened by MELconnx’s generous industry knowledge-sharing, break-down barriers for future projects.
The project team are all incredibly proud of the outcomes achieved on the METRONET Morley to Ellenbrook Line and delivering our vision of “connecting communities with opportunities through the delivery of innovative, resilient, and sustainable transport and station infrastructure”.