To identify the best design and alignment option, South Metro Connect has reviewed a number of alternative options, through a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) process (i.e. options selection process). These options have been developed in collaboration with community and stakeholders through a series of Design Workshops.

The Funnel Process

Once the design options were developed, a Funnel Process was used to identify which of the various alternatives best addressed the agreed environmental, social and economic factors, as well as meeting the planning objective for the proposed project. 

This process is illustrated in the image below.

Definitions

Design Inputs:

Constraints included the boundaries of the project area, technical standards and regulations, and the requirement that any design solution includes access to the Murdoch Activity Centre from the south. South Metro Connect was also constrained by its role in the decision making process (see Information Sheet: Our Role and the Decision Making Process).

Studies and fieldwork that were undertaken by South Metro Connect and specialist sub consultants. The Environmental Scoping Document (ESD) outlines these studies (See Information Sheets: Design Inputs - Studies and Fieldwork).

Community and stakeholder participation in the design process was important, and resulted in a significant number of modifications to the original concept designs produced.

Concept designs were being developed by South Metro Connect and will continue to be refined throughout the development phase of the project.  All concept designs respected  the constraints of the project (see above).  Click here to view more information about preliminary concept designs, prepared for discussion at community design workshops.

Step 1: Eliminate options that do not meet the criteria

South Metro Connect initially eliminated options that did not respect the constraints that were identified (see above), e.g. an option that falls outside the project boundary or which does not provide access to Murdoch Activity Centre.

Step 2: Undertake MCA of remaining options

South Metro Connect undertook a Multi Criteria Analysis to identify preferred design and alignment options.

Click here for more information about how South Metro Connect has used Multi Criteria Analysis to identify preferred design and alignment options.

Step 3: Undertake more detailed MCA analysis to produce a preferred option

Only one option could form the basis of the environmental impact assessment which will be undertaken as part of the Public Environmental Review.  The options that were the outcome of Step 2 were taken through a more detailed analysis to determine which of these was preferred.