Way cleared for high-speed Perth-Cairns rail link by 2002

10/9/97

The way has been cleared for a high-speed rail 'highway' between Cairns and Perth by the Year 2002.

Speaking at the National Rail Summit in Melbourne, Western Australian Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the fast freight and passenger link across the continent was critical to Australia's economic future.

"This summit, which I called for at the Transport Minister's Conference in Cairns in May, has taken historic steps and exceeded all my expectations," he said.

"If we are serious about creating a world-class rail corridor we have to mould the vision into a tangible plan, with all States pulling together to upgrade the tracks and implement regulatory reform."

Mr Charlton told Federal Transport Minister John Sharp and other State Transport Ministers that Western Australia needed to spend $175 million to upgrade the standard gauge line between Kalgoorlie and Perth.

His push for the fast rail across Australia received a boost at the summit when the Federal Government pledged a further $250 million towards a national track upgrade over four years.

All States agreed at today's summit to identify a cross-continental alignment and to proceed towards establishing a single regulatory authority to control and streamline operator access on the rail 'highway'.

"We have agreed to establish a single operation with a one-stop shop to co-ordinate those wanting to use the high grade line," he said.

"We heard from industry users today of the frustrations they currently encounter on the east-west freight route by having to go through up to 13 regulators.

"They also told us of having to seek approval from up to 17 authorities before getting clearance for new types of rolling stock.

"For the first time in Australia's history we now have all States recognising the urgent need for reform."

Mr Charlton said the aim was to establish a cross-continent rail corridor from Cairns to Perth capable of carrying freight trains up to 1,800 metres in length at average speeds in excess of 100 km/h.

"Queensland is developing plans for a passenger 'super train' from Cairns to Perth providing Australians and International visitors with the longest and most spectacular train journey in the World," he said.

Mr Charlton said the Melbourne Summit had created an environment for change in the rail transport industry.

"The mechanism is now finally in place to achieve a fast, modern railway across the continent within five years," he said.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333