❓ A parliamentary question regarding the potential impact of wind-driven salt deposits on the South West Metropolitan Railway (SWMR) power supply. The Minister dismisses the likelihood of failure with proper maintenance and highlights existing successful railways in similar environments.
AnsweredQoN 2672Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(b) has any research been conducted on this matter, and by whom; (c) if so, of what duration was the testing process, who conducted it, and what was the cost; (d) will the Minister table the results of this testing process; (e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(c) if so, of what duration was the testing process, who conducted it, and what was the cost; (d) will the Minister table the results of this testing process; (e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(d) will the Minister table the results of this testing process; (e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
In response to the specific questions: (a) Yes. (b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits. (c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(a) Yes. (b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits. (c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits. (c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(c) if so, of what duration was the testing process, who conducted it, and what was the cost; (d) will the Minister table the results of this testing process; (e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(d) will the Minister table the results of this testing process; (e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(e) if no research was conducted, why not; (f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(f) will the Minister state categorically whether there is, in fact, a likelihood that these wind-driven salt deposits could result in the failure of the SWMR power supply, thus bringing the service to a halt; (g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(g) if there is any likelihood of this occurrence, what action has the Minister taken to prevent it; (h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(h) what are the financial costs of this action; (i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(i) if the SWMR service was brought to a halt because of wind-driven salt deposits on the power lines, will the Minister estimate how long it would take to get the service functional again; and (j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
(j) if this occurred, what back-up transport plans would be brought into play in to ensure the transportation of the community until the line was functional again?
In response to the specific questions: (a) Yes. (b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits. (c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(a) Yes. (b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits. (c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits. (c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(c) There was no testing and no associated cost. (d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(d) Not applicable. (e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted. (f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur. (g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway. (h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure. (i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate. (j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
(j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
30 March 2004
Responded by
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure
Response time
20 days
For the benefit of the Member for Carine, I will preface some comments before providing a concise answer to her question. The question seeks information based upon the presumption that there has been “…severe interference to the reliable performance… of other railway lines in the metropolitan area…” and that this “…severe interference…” results from the phenomenon of salt-laden air causing electrical interference to the operation of the railway. This supposition is completely without foundation with respect to both the electrified passenger railways and the non-electrified passenger and freight railways in the metropolitan area. Without doubt, there is no argument to the corrosive effects of salt laden air on steel and other materials and the phenomenon of rust is well known by the operators of the railway and by many others in the World. There are many measures to counteract the effects of salt laden winds and moisture, the prime one in this case is to undertake a regular cleaning and maintenance regime of electrical equipment. This issue was raised during debate on the Railway (Jandakot to Perth) Bill 2002 and some energy was spent in discussion of the claim that the operation of the railway could be affected by this salt and froth laden winds from the river. My comments at that time referred to the trouble-free operation of the railway as it goes over the Fremantle railway bridge and the existence of powerlines and transformers in places such as South Perth and other riverside suburbs. It is worth noting that Perth’s situation is not unique and that elsewhere throughout Australia and overseas, electric railways have successfully operated in places close to salt water environments.
In response to the specific questions:
(a) Yes.
(b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits.
(c) There was no testing and no associated cost.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted.
(f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur.
(g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway.
(h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure.
(i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate.
(j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
In response to the specific questions:
(a) Yes.
(b) Professional enquiries by New MetroRail and Public Transport Authority engineers have been carried out to ascertain if this is a problem anywhere else in Australia or overseas. Sections of the overhead power system which are in areas of high pollution or extreme atmospheric conditions will be designed to be fitted with “high pollution” insulators which are designed to increase the spark distance and thereby reduce the probability of electrical discharge and accidental tripping of circuits.
(c) There was no testing and no associated cost.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) In light of industry knowledge, and based upon the advice of the railway maintenance engineers, none was warranted.
(f) With appropriate attention to cleaning and maintenance, any situation such as described is very unlikely to occur.
(g) Proper systems and procedures will be put in place for the cleaning and maintenance of this new railway.
(h) There will be no additional cost above the normal costs for maintenance of infrastructure.
(i) A specific response to such an unlikely hypothetical circumstance is not appropriate.
(j) The transport authorities are very experienced in the management of the day-to-day operations of the rail and bus system and have special systems and procedures to deal with unusual events that impact on the smooth operation of the system.
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