❓ Minister addresses concerns about the grain rail network, clarifying the government's role in line closures and commitment to maintaining the network, while seeking federal support and exploring investment opportunities.
AnsweredQoN 233Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
grain rail network — management
Can the minister update the Legislative Council on the government’s role in managing the state’s grain rail network, given recent media interest in the issue? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
Can the minister update the Legislative Council on the government’s role in managing the state’s grain rail network, given recent media interest in the issue? Hon SIMON O’BRIEN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in matters related to the ongoing future of the grain rail network. I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in matters related to the ongoing future of the grain rail network. I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in matters related to the ongoing future of the grain rail network. I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
Hon SIMON O’BRIEN replied: I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in matters related to the ongoing future of the grain rail network. I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in matters related to the ongoing future of the grain rail network. I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
I am quite happy to take the opportunity to advise the Legislative Council of my views on some recent media commentary about the grain rail network. Not all members may be aware that the state grain rail network is operated by WestNet Rail under a 49-year lease entered into by the government in 2000. The network has generally been maintained at the required standard by the network operator—that is, fit for purpose—under those rail lease obligations. Some of the rail lines have not been used in recent years by grain handlers but that is a business decision for them, not a case of rail line standards not being met or rail services not being available for use. There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
There has been some reporting, and it was put to me again today, suggesting that WestNet Rail as the rail network operator will decide shortly whether to shut down rail lines that have not been used or for some other reason. I want to make a point quite clear to correct an error in that. I inform members that it is the government’s decision as to whether rail lines remain open or closed. That is the government’s decision. As the minister, I want to make two things quite clear. Firstly, I will not support, in general, the closure of grain rail lines. There may be some incidental exceptions to that whereby we have a short spur line, but as a general rule, on behalf of the government, I want to maintain the totality of the grain rail network. Indeed, I am looking for ways in which further investment might be aimed at lifting standards and improving the overall network, such as possibly finding new partners with which to invest in extending the line in the mid-west, for example. That was the first thing I want to clarify. The other thing I want to make absolutely clear is that the government will work with WestNet and other stakeholders to support and retain the network. The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
The federal government is undertaking a fairly short-term review of the amount of funding that it might be able to contribute and sees as necessary to contribute to help us sustain a grain rail network into the twenty-first century. It is also examining a proposal that was put together by the Grain Infrastructure Group some years ago now. Indeed, I spoke with the parliamentary secretary, Gary Gray, on Sunday in Kings Park and he indicated his ongoing commitment to that process. I will meet with Minister Albanese on, I think, this Sunday and we will also touch on this matter. I thank the member for the opportunity.
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