<p>The Western Australian Government’s release of the Kewdale-Hazlemere intergrated masterplan should end any doubt about the strategic importance of the area.</p> <p>The masterplan recommends: maintenance of the option of a rail link to Kewdale’s southern terminal grade separation of the Leach Highway-Orrong Road intersection grade separation of the freight rail line and Daddow Road and, bolstering strategic industrial land uses, “particularly those that rely on proximity to freight nodes and/or key infrastructure such as road, rail or air transport”.</p> <p>Recommendations also include long-term backing for the proposed Midland rail freight realignment.</p> <p>“Efficient freight movement is essential to our economy, so we must ensure that we can accommodate the expected increase in freight volume and movements over the next 30 years," WA planning and infrastructure minister Alannah MacTiernan said.</p> <p>"Kewdale-Hazelmere was identified in the freight network review as a major multi-modal site and the main inland focus for intrastate and interstate freight movements in the metropolitan region.</p> <p> "The masterplan emphasises the importance of ensuring that this air, road, rail and servicing infrastructure is efficient and protected.</p> <p> "Key aspects include defining appropriate land use areas and related road/rail infrastructure requirements, so as to maximise the potential for future freight-related industrial growth.</p> <p>"The masterplan recommendations will protect the study area’s future role in the freight network by ensuring that surrounding land uses are compatible with freight functions.”</p> <br />
