Western Australia state gov’t aims for control of freight rail network
The Western Australian state government has announced its intention to start negotiations to regain control over the state’s freight rail network, which has been under private management for nearly two and a half decades.
The Western Australian state government has announced its intention to start negotiations to regain control over the state’s freight rail network, which has been under private management for nearly two and a half decades.
The network was privatised under a 49-year lease in 2000. However, this privatisation has presented limitations, the state government claimed, particularly in supporting industries dependent on rail transport.
Bringing the freight rail network under government control is aimed at addressing the increasing demands from key sectors such as agriculture and the need to increase rail usage to support new resource projects.
Public ownership is expected to facilitate more strategic government investments and enhance the network’s efficiency, according to the government.
This could lead to a multitude of benefits, including job growth, improved safety by reducing road traffic, and cost-effective transportation for commodities.
Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook said: “This is all about supporting our plans to diversify our economy, unlock future local jobs and retain WA’s economy as the strongest for future generations.
