WITH the long-awaited Ellenbrook-Morley train line officially opened, Tim Trefry, one of the urban planners behind the Ellenbrook masterplan, reflects on how a 30-year-vision became a reality.

The Ellenbrook train line was enshrined in the early planning and Mr Trefry played a key role in ensuring the train line eventuated.

A former sand quarry and pine forest in Perth’s north-eastern fringe, work on Ellenbrook first commenced back in 1995 with Hatch – a global services firm specialising in mining and metals, energy, infrastructure and digital technologies - helping deliver the town’s vision at every stage.

The Ellenbrook landholdings, held by the WA Housing Authority and private urban developers in a joint venture, was transformed into a 1200ha new community of 11,500 homes in eight walkable villages surrounding a vibrant, mixed-use town centre.

Today, it’s home to 30,000 residents and is Australia’s most decorated urban development project with 30 awards, including the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) 2015 World Prix d’Excellence Award for the world’s best masterplanned community, and continues to be acknowledged as a model for contemporary new communities.

Mr Trefry has more than 30 years private and public sector experience within the urban planning space and has designed, approved and delivered more than 10,000 residential lots on a range of projects that spanned Ellenbrook, North Eglington and Wattleup – all in WA, and Huntlee in the NSW Hunter Valley.

At Ellenbrook, he worked on the delivery of eight residential villages and the regional town centre.

As a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, he said the Ellenbrook transit corridor is the ultimate testament to why future proofing communities matters, and he believes the city should serve as a blueprint.

“Ellenbrook is the perfect 30-year lesson for Australia’s urban planners. By enshrining that transit corridor in the masterplan all those years ago, we set today’s residents up for success,” Mr Trefry said.

“This underscores the power of forward planning and it’s proof that visionary design and collaboration can create thriving, sustainable communities that flourish for generations to come.

“Seeing the excitement from residents as the first train left the station shows just how impactful long-term planning can be. For many, this train line is more than just improved transport - it’s a catalyst for the next phase of Ellenbrook’s growth.

“It will spark investment, boost local jobs, and expand town centre facilities, further cementing Ellenbrook as a thriving, self-sufficient community.

“Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti should be proud of her commitment and leadership that drove the construction and delivery of what will now go down in history as the long awaited but warmly welcomed Ellenbrook rail line.”

From the outset, Hatch’s planning ensured the train station would sit in a central, accessible location within a 400-metre walkable catchment of the main street.

The vision was clear: the town centre should be a stop on a regional transit system, with the station adjacent to the core commercial area.

Mr Trefry said Hatch contributed to strategic planning, urban design, planning approvals, and the delivery of the rail line, in collaboration with the Metronet team, while also developing the rail alignment study and precinct plans for the Ellenbrook, Whiteman, and Malaga train stations.

This ensured they were designed to prioritise accessibility and foster community connection.

The Ellenbrook train line is expected to drive the next stage of growth for the town centre, attracting investment, creating jobs, and expanding facilities for the local community.

“It’s a transformative step forward for one of Australia’s most celebrated urban developments and a powerful reminder of what thoughtful, long-term planning can achieve,” Mr Trefry said.

The 21km Morley-Ellenbrook Line has five new stations, including Ellenbrook Station - providing a short 30-minute journey to Perth’s city centre.

“As Australia’s cities grow, it’s vital for developers and planners to think decades ahead, embedding transit corridors and prioritising connected, inclusive design,” he said.

“Ellenbrook is the ultimate example of how the choices we make today shape how our communities thrive tomorrow.”