THE WEST Australian government wants to take back control of the state’s freight rail network Cook Government to enter negotiations to secure control of the freight rail network from current rail operator Arc Infrastructure.
The network has been under private control for 25 years after being privatised by the Liberal National Government in 2000.
A media release from the Labor state government said it would begin negotiations to bring the freight rail network back into government hands.
It said demands on the freight rail network have grown substantially in recent years and public control would help unlock greater economic activity, and support industry, farmers and regional communities.
Record grain harvests, are placing record high demands on the network.
“Under the existing lease agreement, which has another 24 years to run, the Western Australian Government has little capacity to directly support key industries that make use of the state’s freight rail network, or deliver important policy objectives,” the release said.
“Greater public control would allow for greater and more targeted government investment, and increase usage of the freight rail network, delivering significant benefits including: increasing the use of the rail network to meet the demand being driven by new resource projects and growth in output from the agriculture sector, supporting future WA jobs; and improved safety on roads, by reducing the amount of trucks.”
It would also provide cost savings for industry through the more efficient movement of grain and commodities to and from the state’s ports, to ensure WA remains globally competitive; ability to improve the frequency and journey times for regional rail services, like the Australind, with the government being able to upgrade tracks, and build passing loops; greater flexibility for regional communities, who have been prohibited and limited in relation to what activities they can undertake in close proximity to rail corridors; greater involvement and potential partnerships with local WA businesses; and more opportunities for tourism investment, particularly tracks that are underutilised or under care and maintenance.
The State Government has written to Arc Infrastructure to advise of the intention to enter negotiations to return the freight rail network back to public hands.
The release said the government will progress negotiations with Arc Infrastructure and will make a final decision if it is economically and financially responsible to do so.
The Director General of Transport will establish a team to start negotiations, with the State Government open to all options, including a staged return to public ownership.
Premier Roger Cook said rail is the most efficient way of moving goods to and from the ports, and with greater control, could ensure government investment promotes better use of the network.
