The iconic 80-year-old Kurrajong tree at Bayswater Station was craned and relocated to its new home in Bert Wright Park this morning, a new milestone for the major METRONET project.
The native Australian tree, which was previously on the corner of Coode Street and Whatley Crescent, was moved to enable construction of the upgraded station’s eastern entrance.
Today’s big move, watched by Bayswater community members, involved lifting the tree with one crane, before carefully swapping it to a mobile crane, which then drove slowly to the tree’s new home at a decommissioned playground in Bert Wright Park.
Now that the tree has been moved, other works can continue on the METRONET upgrade to Bayswater Station, which will become a major transport hub on the Midland Line due to its junction to the Morley-Ellenbrook Line and Forrestfield-Airport Link.
The tree relocation follows other early works which started in 2019 including undergrounds service works and other vegetation relocations
The new station will be better integrated with the Bayswater town centre precinct and provide enhanced pedestrian connections, be able to host six-car trains, be compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act and have more bus stops for passengers.
The upgrade will also involve building a new, higher rail bridge to replace the infamous King William Street bridge. A construction tender for the works was released last year and will be awarded early this year.
The station’s concept design is based on feedback from community drop-in sessions, a survey, consultation with the Bayswater Town Centre Structure Plan Community Advisory Group and other stakeholders in the area.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The relocation of the historic Kurrajong tree is a significant symbolic milestone of the much anticipated METRONET Bayswater Station Upgrade.
“This station upgrade will enable Bayswater Station to serve as a vital junction for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Forrestfield-Airport Link and Midland Line.
“We know having properly integrated train stations and transport infrastructure can transform local communities in to buzzing hubs of retail, recreational and residential life.
“This station’s concept design is based on one of the largest and most comprehensive community consultation processes ever undertaken by the State Government, with feedback from more than 1,300 locals – this station was planned for the community, by the community.”
As stated by Maylands MLA Lisa Baker:
“Preparation works for the tree relocation began in May 2019, when a trench was dug around the tree and its roots trimmed. Soil was then backfilled into the trench, and the tree was left for six months for careful monitoring over the winter.
“While residents were no doubt thrilled to witness the incredible sight of a massive tree being craned down one of their main streets, its relocation also marks an exciting new stage in the Bayswater Station Upgrade project.
“Bayswater is set to become one of the best-connected communities in Perth, reducing reliance on cars and saving commuters time and money.
“I would like to thank the members of this community who have participated in reference groups and provided feedback and guidance in preparing for the METRONET redevelopment.”
Minister’s office – 6552 5500
