Metronet's Thornlie-Cockburn rail link will clear 22 hectares of Bush Forever land, according to the Public Transport Authority's submission to the state's environment watchdog.

The authority has revised its development footprint in response to discussions with the Environmental Protection Authority, with public submissions on the changes closing Monday.

The proposal. Credit:PTA

The EPA noted in the referral documents that a high level of public interest had already been shown, even at this early stage.

The existing Thornlie passenger line currently terminates at Thornlie station and the community has has pleaded with successive state governments to extend it to service the growing Canning Vale industrial and residential areas.