WA Government Leaves Door Ajar for Return of Passenger Rail from Perth to Albany

A proposal to revive the passenger rail line from Perth to Albany has gained momentum after the state government's decision to buy back the freight rail network. The move has sparked hopes that communities in the Great Southern region will be better connected to vital services and that tourism will be boosted.

Push for passenger rail

Rail advocacy group Countrynet Rail Alliance says the state buyback presents an opportunity to revive both agricultural and passenger services. Spokesperson Simon Lyas said, "As part of the buyback, I think it is time to actually take a really good look at this from an economic perspective and to look at all of the potential gains and benefits that could come from it."

"It's cheaper to do it now than it will be in 10 or 20 years, and I think that's why it warrants a particularly special investigation and feasibility study to find out what the costs would be and what the benefits would be," he added.

The state government has shown in-principle support for the return of a Great Southern passenger rail, with a spokesperson for Transport Minister Rita Saffioti saying public control of the network would allow for the consideration of new passenger rail opportunities.

However, the spokesperson noted that passenger rail requires significant investment, both in terms of capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs, to make it a viable alternative to road transport.

Tourism offering

Albany Mayor Greg Stocks, who recalls travelling on the original passenger train line as a 16-year-old, said the community had long hoped for the return of the service. "We certainly support it … there are a lot of people in Albany who would like to see the return of that service," he said.

Mr Stocks said the line would benefit businesses in the city that catered to tourists but also support the wider economy of the Great Southern region. "I think there might be a unique tourism offer on that and the experience of actually going through the hinterland as well," he said.

"There are a lot of shires along that railway line that are very keen to see it happen, so there'll certainly be benefit for them as well," he added.

Vital lifeline

Katanning Shire President Kristy D'Aprile said a passenger train line would help those residents between Perth and Albany who struggled to access social services in the country. "Katanning struggles with health care and education and those things that are very typical of a smaller regional community," she said.

"Having a passenger rail service will allow our community access to those services that are likely going to be based in either Albany or in Perth," she added.

Ms D'Aprile said the line would also support industry and agricultural businesses in Katanning, one of the Great Southern economic and industrial hubs, to attract and retain workers.

Curtin University professor of sustainability Peter Newman said there was a strong case for bringing back the passenger rail by looking to other jurisdictions across the country. "Trains are very popular … they work, and that's now on the agenda in country towns," he said.