WA government to consider return of Perth to Albany passenger rail service
There have been several attempts to bring back the passenger line since it was scrapped in 1978. None has been successful, but with the proposed WA government buyback of the state's freight rail network, a new opportunity has presented itself.
A community group based in Western Australia's Great Southern region is advocating for a feasibility study into the possibility of reintroducing passenger rail services between Perth and Albany. Local towns along the proposed route argue that a train service would provide essential social and economic support. The state government claims regaining control of WA's freight rail network would enable it to explore new passenger rail possibilities.
The WA government's plan to purchase back the state's freight rail network has paved the way for a potential passenger train service from Perth to Albany. Communities in the Great Southern area claim a passenger train would connect towns to vital services and boost tourism. The Great Southern Railway, constructed in the 1900s, spans 450 kilometers from Perth to Albany, passing through several towns, including Narrogin, Wagin, Katanning, Tambellup, and Mount Barker.
Several attempts have been made to restore the passenger line since it ceased operation in 1978, but all have been unsuccessful. A railway advocacy group, Countrynet Rail Alliance, asserts that the state's acquisition of the freight network offers an opportunity to revive both agricultural and passenger services. Speaking to the group's spokesperson, Simon Lyas, he stated that it's time to conduct a thorough economic assessment of the potential advantages of introducing a passenger train.
Lyas emphasized that it's more cost-effective to undertake such a feasibility study now rather than in 10 or 20 years. He further explained that the state government has demonstrated its commitment to public control of the regional rail network, supporting the return of a Great Southern passenger rail service in principle. However, he highlighted that passenger rail requires substantial investment in both capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs to become a viable alternative to road transport.
The proposal has garnered support from the City of Albany and other major regional towns along the route.
Albany Mayor Greg Stocks, who remembers traveling on the original passenger train line as a 16-year-old, stated that the community has long hoped for the service's return. He supported the idea, explaining that the line would benefit businesses catering to tourists in the city and support the wider economy of the Great Southern region. Stocks also mentioned the potential for a unique tourism experience, traveling through the region's beautiful hinterland.
Katanning Shire President Kristy D'Aprile emphasized that a passenger train line would significantly help residents traveling between Perth and Albany who struggle to access social services in rural areas. D'Aprile explained that Katanning faces challenges with healthcare and education, similar to many smaller regional communities.
She added that the train service would enhance accessibility for employees and workers in the region, particularly those working in industries such as abattoirs and farms, by providing reliable and regular transportation options. Curtin University professor of sustainability, Peter Newman, echoed the sentiment, asserting that there is a strong case for reintroducing passenger rail by examining examples from other Australian states, such as New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, which have extensive country services.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
