Project summary

The RailSmart Wanneroo Project is developing a proof-of-concept analytical dashboard which will visually model data that points to transport planning and land-use planning opportunities for optimal public transport patronage and local employment.

RailSmart integrates five existing data models from the Planning and Transport Research Centre (PATREC). It then adapts these from existing State wide modelling systems, to Local Authority models.

The dashboard presents these sophisticated models in concert with other analytical data layers in a highly relevant, visually interactive and easy to use way.

This Project corresponds with the development of Metronet’s rail extension to Yanchep.

The challenge

Australian communities are growing fastest at their fringe. City of Wanneroo is no different and greenfield suburbs of Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep are clearly illustrative of this.

The challenge for the City of Wanneroo is knowing how best to model transport and land use planning for greenfield developments to secure active centres and a strong sense of place.

Solution

RailSmart equips strategic planners, investors and stakeholders with a predictive urban development tool at Local Government Authority level.

The RailSmart solution is that of a future-focused decision-support system based on statistical data modelling and pattern identification and data projection tools. The suite of tools will enable greater investment certainty and optimal planning outcomes. The information is presented in an interactive, visual and easy to interpret manner.

Benefits

The sophisticated modelling and visual representation of various layered data sources, will enable enhanced decision making and planning. This in turn will optimise employment and public transport patronage in the City of Wanneroo’s outer metro areas towards Yanchep, and in so doing maximise capital investment in the rail extension.

Lessons learned

Data which has been modelled, integrated and displayed in an accessible and spatial manner forms a very powerful decision making platform. There is a wealth of data available but it takes academic research and modelling to bring out the patterns and cause and effect aspects required to meaningfully model data to inform local decisions.

Outcomes

RailSmart will be used to plan employment-friendly, accessible rail station precincts at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep along the Metronet rail extension. Through the use of this smart planning tool, City of Wanneroo will be equipped with the unique insights required to address local residents’ future employment and accessibility needs, today.

Contact details

Name: Dr Linda Robson

Phone: 08 6488 8029

Email: linda.robson@uwa.edu.au