Hon. Colin Tincknell asks the Minister for Transport about the potential use of composite recycled plastic railway sleepers in WA, similar to a Victorian initiative, particularly for Metronet and South West railway upgrades, suggesting it could aid Collie's transition to a green industry. The Minister responds that the Public Transport Authority is monitoring trials in Victoria and Queensland.

AnsweredQoN 760Legislative Council
Asked
7 August 2019
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

TRANSPORT —
PLASTIC RAIL SLEEPERS
760. Hon COLIN TINCKNELL to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
(1) With the
construction of Metronet underway and with many railway lines in the south west
in need of upgrade or repair, has the government considered investing in
composite recycled plastic railway sleepers, as the Victorian state government
has done?
(2) If yes to (1), could the
minister provide some details?
(3) If no to (1),
would the government look at making such an investment in the future, given
that the Victorian venture is currently struggling to meet the high demand from
consumers and government? Such an investment could help a regional town like
Collie transition from coal into a new green industry that benefits all.

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following information has been provided to me
by the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(3) The
Public Transport Authority is aware of the trials of plastic rail sleepers that
are either underway or being considered in Victoria and Queensland, and is
watching the outcomes of these trials. This will assist in determining whether
a trial should be considered in Western Australia.

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