Jun 24, 2010

Study of Adelaide’s rail freight network completed

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport

Regional Development and Local Government

Leader of the House

Member for Grayndler

June 24 2010

I have today released the Adelaide Rail Freight Movement Study, honouring our 2007 election commitment and completing one of the most comprehensive reviews into the rail infrastructure needs of the Adelaide region.

The Study’s key finding is that the existing line will have the capacity to handle the expected freight traffic up until at least 2025.

Nonetheless we’re determined to get the long term planning right and not repeat the mistake of the past. Before any major change to one section of the interstate network can be contemplated we need to ascertain its implications for the whole.

That’s why we will submit the Study to:

Infrastructure Australia for them to consider as they work to finalise the National Freight Network Strategy by the end of this year – a strategic blueprint which will guide our future long term investment decisions; and
The South Australian Government so they can consider its findings for possible inclusion in its strategic planning for the state.

This Labor Government has been a strong supporter of rail.

Through our Nation Building Program, we’re investing almost $9 billion in the nation’s passenger and freight rail infrastructure – a tenfold increase when compared to the former government.

This is more than just an investment in new sleepers, track, passing loops, boom gates and signalling technology; it’s an investment in a more productive and prosperous Australia.

I thank the members of the Project Reference Group for their local insights and knowledge as well as those members of the local community that took the opportunity to have their say.

The full Study can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au/projects/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_id=RAIL002