Perth business claims $250,000 loss from Metronet works disruption

A Perth business owner is seeking $250,000 in compensation, alleging that prolonged Metronet railway construction has severely impacted his business's revenue. Joe Mahon, proprietor of Reid's Remotes in East Victoria Park, claims that the extensive works, including the removal of the Oaks Street level crossing and the elevation of the rail line, have led to significant disruptions.

Mahon stated that while he does not oppose public transport upgrades, the construction project, which ran from late 2023 to mid-2025, created substantial obstacles. These included road closures, persistent parking shortages, and complex detours that deterred customers. He explained that initially, workers occupied available parking, and later, road closures made accessing his business extremely difficult, even for staff.

"At the start it was gradual because it was issues like their workers taking up all the parking onsite so our customers couldn't actually park," Mahon told 102.5 ABC Perth. "Then, once they introduced a road closure, it was like falling off the edge of a cliff. Basically, people couldn't access us."

Mahon provided financial figures to support his claim, noting that his business experienced annual turnover growth of 25-30% in the four years preceding the construction. However, during the 2024 and 2025 accounting years, his turnover declined by 7.45% and 8.75%, respectively. He attributes this downturn directly to the loss of passing trade, which he documented as a primary source of customers before the Metronet works began.

The Public Transport Authority (PTA) has denied Mahon's compensation claim. The PTA stated that the changes to traffic conditions were reasonable given the circumstances and undertaken for the community's benefit. They also asserted that continuous access to the property was maintained and found no justification for the compensation sought.

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At the start it was gradual because it was issues like their workers taking up all the parking onsite so our customers couldn't actually park. Then, once they introduced a road closure, it was like falling off the edge of a cliff. Basically, people couldn't access us.