http://anthonyalbanese.com.au/adelaide-perth-rail-corridor-upgrade
The rail corridor between Adelaide and Perth will be upgraded to improve the network’s reliability and capacity to ensure it better services new mining operations through a $95 million investment.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the investment underpins a new 15 year agreement between Australian Rail Track Corporation Ltd (ARTC) and Brookfield Rail that will provide seamless access on the important east west corridor, along with improvements to the Adelaide to Tarcoola section.
“This investment has been made possible by the Federal Labor Government’s equity injection of $95 million into ARTC,” Mr Albanese said.
“Our investment brings three key benefits – it will create additional capacity for interstate intermodal and express services, improve safety and support resources expansion.”
“This commitment to new infrastructure will ensure that interstate rail freight continues to grow and rail remains the logistics mode of choice between Adelaide and Perth.”
ARTC CEO John Fullerton said three new mining operations in South Australia are either underway or are soon to commence on the ARTC network between Tarcoola, Whyalla and Adelaide.
“Not only does the wholesale agreement between ARTC and Brookfield Rail deliver on enhanced standards for the rail network, it also provides the basis for the parties to work together to grow interstate freight volumes on the network,” Mr Fullerton said.
ARTC is contributing toward Brookfield Rail’s re-railing program between Koolyanobbing and Kalgoorlie, which will support a more reliable and seamless connection on the east-west corridor.
$35 million will go towards a new train control system along the Adelaide to Tarcoola rail corridor and in building additional crossing infrastructure between Adelaide and Tarcoola.
“The new track and operational infrastructure reaffirms our commitment to investing in and growing a truly national network for rail, where our customers have a one-stop-shop for all their inter and intra-state freight needs,” Mr Fullerton said.
The Agreement will support the continued delivery of a common access framework and operating conditions for rail traffic on the east-west rail corridor between Adelaide and Perth.
Rail continues to dominate the land transport market on the east-west corridor, with 82 per cent of freight currently being transported by rail.