❓ Question regarding potential closure of marginal rail lines by Westnet Rail and government's response, including studies and potential subsidies. The government blames the previous Liberal government's privatisation for the current situation.
AnsweredQoN 5601Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is it correct that Westnet Rail has indicated it will have to close marginal rail lines unless it receives government subsidies?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) what lines have been identified as financially marginal;
(b) which financially marginal lines is the Government considering closing;
(c) which financially marginal lines is the Government considering subsidising; and
(d) what is the likely value of these subsidies?
(3) Has the Government done the following, -
(a) undertaken a study on the economics of maintaining marginal rail lines in these regions; and
(b) undertaken a comprehensive investigation of freight tasks in these regions to establish opportunities to put road freight onto rail?
(4) If yes to either (4a) or (4b), please provide the reports?
(5) If no to either (4a) or (4b), why not?
(2) If yes to (1), -
(a) what lines have been identified as financially marginal;
(b) which financially marginal lines is the Government considering closing;
(c) which financially marginal lines is the Government considering subsidising; and
(d) what is the likely value of these subsidies?
(3) Has the Government done the following, -
(a) undertaken a study on the economics of maintaining marginal rail lines in these regions; and
(b) undertaken a comprehensive investigation of freight tasks in these regions to establish opportunities to put road freight onto rail?
(4) If yes to either (4a) or (4b), please provide the reports?
(5) If no to either (4a) or (4b), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
5 December 2007
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
22 days
(1) Yes, WestNet Rail have indicated that if there is no financial assistance from Government it is likely to exercise its right under the rail lease, to surrender uneconomic rail lines back to the State Government. This was precisely what we predicted when we opposed the privatisation of the rail lines by the previous Liberal Government.
(2) There are a number of proposed scenarios involving a range of different lines.
(b) -(d) The question appears to be based on an incorrect premise that the Government controls the lines. This was handed over to the private sector in 2000 for a period of 49 year
(3) Yes
(4) A summary report of the work undertaken by the Grain Infrastructure Group is still in progress and is expected to be released in early 2008. A study was commissioned by DPI in 2004 to assess opportunities to transfer freight from road to rail and a copy is attached. Federal Labor committed to be involved in further investigations with a view to making a decision in March-April next year.
(5) Not applicable.
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(2) There are a number of proposed scenarios involving a range of different lines.
(b) -(d) The question appears to be based on an incorrect premise that the Government controls the lines. This was handed over to the private sector in 2000 for a period of 49 year
(3) Yes
(4) A summary report of the work undertaken by the Grain Infrastructure Group is still in progress and is expected to be released in early 2008. A study was commissioned by DPI in 2004 to assess opportunities to transfer freight from road to rail and a copy is attached. Federal Labor committed to be involved in further investigations with a view to making a decision in March-April next year.
(5) Not applicable.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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