Perth Business Loses $250,000 Due to Metronet Works

Topic: Urban Development and Planning

Friday, 7 August 2026, at 6:16 pm

Joe Mahon and his wife own a key and remote-control business in East Victoria Park.

In short:

A business owner says Metronet works badly affected his business.

Joe Mahon wants compensation for the disruption caused by road closures and parking issues in 2024 and 2025.

What's next?

Mr Mahon's claim for compensation was denied, but he will keep fighting.

A Perth business owner says railway construction work cost him hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The removal of the Oaks Street Metronet level crossing and rail line work caused road closures and parking issues, affecting Joe Mahon's business.

He told 102.5 ABC Perth he did not object to the public transport upgrades, but asked the Public Transport Authority for compensation.

The business location was chosen for its visibility, customer parking, and ease of access.

When Oats Street was closed, customers had to take complicated detours that changed often.

At first, the issues were gradual, with workers taking up parking spaces, but then a road closure made it hard for customers to access the business.

The one street customers could use was full of trucks and cranes, making it hard to get to work.

The shop was very hard to access at times.

Sometimes, roads were closed during certain times, and online maps could not keep up.

Customers would get frustrated and cancel their bookings.

Before the level crossing removal, the business turnover was growing by 25-30% per year.

But in 2024 and 2025, the turnover fell by 7.45% and 8.75%.

Mr Mahon says the decline was due to the loss of passing trade caused by the Metronet works.

The business documented how customers found them, and many were passing trade who saw the signage.

When the Metronet project started, the passing trade began to decline.

The Metronet worksite is on Bank Street, opposite Joe Mahon's business.

Mr Mahon did not know Oats Street would be closed for 18 months until after it was shut.

After the works finished, he submitted a $250,000 compensation claim.

The PTA denied his claim, saying the traffic changes were reasonable and for the community's benefit.

The PTA said access to the property was maintained, and there was no alternative way to do the works.

The PTA said they took steps to reduce the impact on the community.

But Mr Mahon will continue to fight for compensation.

He cannot afford not to, as his business almost closed last year.

He has invested 19 years in the business.

Mr Mahon has no problem with the Metronet works, but the government should consider the impact on businesses.

When a government department does work that affects people without consideration, it is a problem.

The PTA said all claims are assessed individually, and details of compensation payments will not be provided.

See more ABC coverage.

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