WHAT DO WE WANT?
|
First, take a look at the Map below. The lines within the black circle are the lines left to ruin. We want them back so that they can be put to use again to benefit South Australia! (you can download a bigger copy of our map by going to our 'Resources' page)
|
We want to make the regional rail network work again for ALL South Australians! A working and robust regional rail network would create hundreds of jobs both in rural areas and the metropolitan area as the lines are brought back into working order and create hundreds more jobs when the lines return to full operation. WHY? If for no other reason, the regional rail network is a State asset. For decades, it's been left to go to ruin. We, the people of South Australia, WANT CONTROL OVER THESE LINES BACK. The deal which ceded the lines to an American-backed company in 1997 was breathtakingly idiotic and it's time we GOT BACK CONTROL OVER WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS, and make it work for us again! WHAT WOULD BE THE BENEFITS TO THE STATE OF A WORKING REGIONAL RAIL NETWORK? A working regional rail network would create employment opportunities and be the catalyst for business, housing and community development in regional areas (and it would also spur employment growth in metropolitan Adelaide!) Better rail freight and public transport options in regional areas would encourage growth in the rural economy, helping (among other things) to take pressure off failing metropolitan infrastructure. This in turn would benefit metropolitan communities by reducing population 'crush' - and providing a better 'quality of life' for everyone. WHAT WE WANT TO HAPPEN |
Under the terms of the Contract which governs the control of the State's regional rail network, the current Lessee (Genesee & Wyoming Australia - GWA) is (and has been over the past two decades) required to maintain the regional rail network in operational order. The company has totally ignored its responsibilities - and the Contract has not been enforced by State Governments. So it's time that the State Government tells GWA (whose company history dates back to America's Wild West) to get THE HELL OUT OF DODGE! Take your Cowboy attitude somewhere else and give us back control over our regional rail lines! You've had your opportunity to serve regional SA - and you've not met your Contractual obligations! Time to get out and let someone else have a go!
HOW DO WE GET REGIONAL RAIL LINES BACK INTO THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE?
WHAT WILL THIS COST THE STATE GOVERNMENT?
This initiative need not cost the State taxpayer anything. The cost of re-energising the regional rail network would be borne by the companies or consortia whose Expression of Interest provides the most community benefit - and revenue-neutral benefit - to South Australia.
WHAT IF NO ORGANISATION OR CONSORTIA SUBMITS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST?
While we find this option unlikely, the State has at least 'bought back the farm'. These priceless State assets will again be under full South Australian control. The State becomes the 'master of its own destiny' over these lines - and that is important because if it's not a matter of 'now', it will without question be a matter of 'when' these lines will be needed as invaluable train freight and passenger transport corridors in the future.
CAN YOU HELP?
Most certainly! We need your voice to convince political parties and politicians (and candidates) to ensure SA's regional rail lines are returned to State Government control. Go to our GET INVOLVED page to see what you can do!
HOW DO WE GET REGIONAL RAIL LINES BACK INTO THE HANDS OF THE PEOPLE?
- We ask ALL political parties to DEMAND that regional rail lines and infrastructure be returned FORTHWITH to State Control. No IFS, no BUTS -- THE PEOPLE OF SA WANT CONTROL OVER THEIR RAIL ASSETS RETURNED TO THEM NOW!
- Having regained those assets, the new State Government must call for EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST, nationally and internationally, seeking interested parties, in partnership, to re-build, revitalise and re-energise the State's regional rail network. The State, as owner of the corridors could charge 'rent' for the land - but at a rate commensurate with an understanding that the lines will be rebuilt and regional areas re-invigorated, creating economic benefit - and that the refurbishment of the lines and attendant infrastructure will benefit SA for decades to come.
WHAT WILL THIS COST THE STATE GOVERNMENT?
This initiative need not cost the State taxpayer anything. The cost of re-energising the regional rail network would be borne by the companies or consortia whose Expression of Interest provides the most community benefit - and revenue-neutral benefit - to South Australia.
WHAT IF NO ORGANISATION OR CONSORTIA SUBMITS AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST?
While we find this option unlikely, the State has at least 'bought back the farm'. These priceless State assets will again be under full South Australian control. The State becomes the 'master of its own destiny' over these lines - and that is important because if it's not a matter of 'now', it will without question be a matter of 'when' these lines will be needed as invaluable train freight and passenger transport corridors in the future.
CAN YOU HELP?
Most certainly! We need your voice to convince political parties and politicians (and candidates) to ensure SA's regional rail lines are returned to State Government control. Go to our GET INVOLVED page to see what you can do!
