Nationals MPs demand funding for Northam-Albany rail line, Trenorden.
Author: Max Trenorden
Published on: 16-June-2009
The new Nationals’ Members representing the Agricultural Region have called on the Minister for Transport to provide funding to allow re-sleepering of the Northam-Albany grain rail freight line.
Hon Max Trenorden MLC said a funding commitment would provide some surety for the industry in relation to rail access and freight rates for the coming harvest.
“This State Government has a responsibility to allocate funding for this critical piece of infrastructure,” Mr Trenorden said. “Today, we call on the Minister for Transport to outline his intention in relation to this issue."
“It is unacceptable that industry and the communities throughout the region that will impacted by the transfer of grain from rail to road are in a constant state of uncertainty."
“I’d also point out to those that support moving away from rail to road that the costs of road transport will undoubtedly increase.”
The Nationals WA are opposed to the closure of any rail lines.
“We support as keeping as much grain transported on rail as a cost effective and safe approach to managing this critical industry,” Hon Philip Gardiner said. “The prospect of 9,000 – 10,000 additional truck movements on country roads is a recipe for disaster for all road users.”
Hon Colin Holt and Hon Mia Davies said MPs electorate offices in the region had been inundated with calls on the issue.
“At the last election we gave our word to the regions that we would be their voice in the Parliament, fighting on their behalf,” said Mr Holt. “It’s our job to make sure the Minister for Transport and those holding the purse strings understand how important this decision is.”
Mr Trenorden said he was aware that other company’s may be in a position to put older rolling stock on the lines currently considered to be ‘sub-economic’ to maintain the services for this coming harvest.
“My colleagues and I will be requesting a regular briefing on this issue from the Minister as the issue progresses,” Mr Trenorden said.
