Gallop Government secures long-term future of South-West railway

27/12/04
Plantation timber transported by rail in the South-West will double after the Gallop Government today announced a plan to revive a railway privatised by the Coalition.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said without this morning's $10.93million commitment to upgrade the Manjimup Railway, existing rail services to Bunbury Port would have ceased, forcing plantation timber on to South-West roads.
Instead, the new rail freight partnership between the State Government, WA Plantation Resources and the Australian Railroad Group will see about 7.5million tonnes of plantation woodchips and logs transported by rail over the next 10 years.
"We have secured the long-term future plantation rail freight in the South-West and undone some of the damage caused by the Coalition's botched privatisation agenda," Ms MacTiernan said.
"Without this essential investment, there would have been an extra 144 road train journeys per day on South-West roads and more heavy vehicle movements through Bunbury.
"Since coming to Government, we have worked hard to get new product on to rail, including logs and not just woodchips."
Labor will provide $3.3million for the establishment of a common user intermodal facility at North Greenbushes and provide $5.4million towards upgrading the railway line between North Greenbushes and Picton.
An additional $2.23million will be spent on feeder roads to the new facility.

The Minister said the Coalition's decision to privatise Western Australia's rail freight network had severely restricted the Government's ability to invest in lines such as Manjimup.
"Since the Court Government's privatisation of Westrail, taxpayers have spent almost $100million servicing a debt with no benefit to the community - a debt that was supposed to disappear after the sale," she said.
"This is a classic example of important infrastructure suffering as a result of the Coalition's failed privatisation push.
"The Gallop Government's commitment to good economic management and delivering balanced Budgets means today's additional investment is possible."
The Government's rescue package follows intense lobbying from Bunbury MLA Tony Dean, Collie MLA Mick Murray and Labor candidate for Capel, John Mundy.
"The railway upgrade will ensure that the impact of port operations on the Bunbury community and our local roads is minimised," Mr Dean said.
"This initiative will secure the long-term future of the Manjimup Railway and ensure Bunbury remains the South-West's economic powerhouse."
Ms MacTiernan said the project was conditional on WA Plantation Resources securing planning approval to build a new woodchip mill at Bunbury Port, which would process the logs carried by rail.
Trains will continue to operate on the Manjimup Railway until a decision on a new mill is made.
"If WAPRES does not receive approval, the Government will continue to work with the industry to ensure the railway's continued operation," Ms MacTiernan said.
The issue of heavy trucking activity between Manjimup and North Greenbushes will be addressed by Main Roads WA in consultation with the local community.
Minister's office: 9213 6400