Question regarding recent train derailments on the Toodyay to Miling rail line operated by Watco and Co-operative Bulk Handling, focusing on investigation details and maintenance of the rail line. The answer deflects blame by highlighting the rail line's privatisation by the National Party.

AnsweredQoN 5437Legislative Assembly
Asked
5 September 2019
Portfolio
Transport; Planning

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to recent derailments of Watco operated trains near Miling on 26 June 2019 and 2 September 2019,

and I ask: (a) Is the incident of 26 June 2019 under investigation: (i) If so, by which authority or authorities; (ii) When is the investigation expected to be completed; and (iii) Will the findings be made public; (b) Will the derailment of a Co-operative Bulk Handling train on 2 September 2019 be investigated: (i) If so, by which authority or authorities; (ii) When is the investigation expected to be completed; and (iii) Will the findings be made public; and (c) What steps are the Public Transport Authority taking to ensure the lessee of the Toodyay to Miling rail line is maintaining the rail line so that it remains fit for freight transport?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
15 October 2019
Responded by
Minister for Transport; Planning
Response time
7 days
(a) Yes
(i)-(iii) Noting that the National Party privatised this rail line - Arc Infrastructure as the accredited Rail Infrastructure Manager will conduct an investigation and respond to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).
(b) Yes
(i)-(iii) Noting that the National Party privatised this rail line - Arc Infrastructure as the accredited Rail Infrastructure Manager will conduct an investigation and respond to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR).
(c) The Toodyay to Miling line was audited in 2015 by an independent expert who declared that the condition met the required Performance Standards. The line will be audited again in 2020. The PTA has requested copies of the investigation reports for both recent derailments.

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