The WA government’s plan to buy back the state’s freight rail network has opened the door for a passenger train from Perth to Albany to also be introduced.
Communities in the Great Southern region say a passenger train would help connect towns to vital services as well as boost tourism.
The Great Southern Railway, built in the 1900s, stretches 450 kilometres from Perth to the city of Albany, and passes through half a dozen towns including Narrogin, Wagin, Katanning, Tambellup and Mount Barker.
There have been several attempts to bring back the passenger line since it was scrapped in 1978, but none has been successful.
Push for passenger rail
Rail advocacy group Countrynet Rail Alliance says the state buyback of the freight network presents an opportunity to revive both agricultural and passenger services.
“As part of the buyback, I think it is time to actually take a really good look at this from an economic perspective and to look at all of the potential gains and benefits that could come from it,” spokesperson Simon Lyas said.
“It’s cheaper to do it now than it will be in 10 or 20 years, and I think that’s why it warrants a particularly special investigation and feasibility study to find out what the costs would be and what the benefits would be.”
The state government said bringing the regional rail network back under public control was its top priority. It has shown in-principle support for the return of a Great Southern passenger rail.
“Public control of the network will allow for the consideration of new passenger rail opportunities,” a spokesperson for Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said.
“However, passenger rail requires significant investment, both in terms of capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs, to make it a viable alternative to road transport.”
The proposal has received support from the City of Albany and other major regional towns along the route.
