Australian Infrastructure Minister Press releases

MEDIA RELEASE
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government
16 March 2010
AA0130/2010


Federal Investment In Tasmania's Rail Fast Tracked

The massive maintenance program now underway across Tasmania's rail network will be completed twelve months early, following the Rudd Labor Government's decision to bring forward $14 million originally earmarked to be spent next year.

This decision is a tribute to the Tasmanian Government's ability to deliver the extensive maintenance program quicker than initially thought possible.

We're determined to sustain this momentum and complete the modernisation of the network as soon as possible. Instead of late 2011, the maintenance work is now expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The projects being delivered include bridge work, re-railing, resleepering, level crossing upgrades and better drainage.

All up, we're providing Tasmania with $61 million in rail maintenance funding, with the money brought forward being the final instalment.

In addition to the maintenance money, the Rudd Labor Government is committed to the following strategic investments in the State's rail network:

Capacity improvements along Main North-South line ($31.6 million) - pre-construction works are underway;
Capacity improvements at Rhyndaston ($24 million) - preconstruction works are underway;
Upgrade of the Burnie to Melba Flats line ($15.7 million) - planning work starting this year;
Upgrade of the Burnie to Western Junction line ($30.3 million) - planning work starting this year;
Upgrade of the Hobart to Western Junction line ($20.3 million) - planning work starting this year;
Upgrade of the Fingal Line ($5.7 million) - planning work starting this year;
Upgrade of the Boyer Line ($1.07 million) - planning work starting this year;
Improvement of the Bell Bay intermodal terminal ($5.2 million).
The purpose of our investment is to put the rail network back on a secure footing, supporting local jobs today while rebuilding the rail infrastructure Tasmania will need tomorrow.

The funding is being delivered as part of our Nation Building Program.

Tony Bailey

This was once a private railway , correct ??? . Or has it always been govt owned track , with a private company running the service ???

David-

Public - privatised - almost abandoned- purchased back by Tasmania as track owner - private operator

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_transport_in_Tasmania

Tony Bailey

MEDIA RELEASE
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government
17 March 2010
AA0133/2010


Economic Stimulus: More Boom Gates for South Australia

Two further priority level crossings in South Australia will soon be made safer, with funding coming from the Rudd Labor Government's Economic Stimulus Plan.

At the following locations boom gates will be installed:

Cameron Terrace, MALLALA - work underway; and
Merriton Road, MERRITON - work begins next week.
The projects will be delivered by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

All up, we've allocated $13.6 million from our Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program to upgrade safety around 34 high risk level crossings in South Australia.

Already boom gates and other safety measures have been installed at six level crossings across the State.

Tragically, about 100 accidents occur at rail crossings every year.

Never before has the Federal Government had a program dedicated to improving safety and preventing accidents at level crossings. This investment will not only improve road safety but also support local jobs and local businesses during the current global recession.

Nationally, our $150 million Boom Gates for Rail Crossings Program will fund the installation of boom gates and other safety measures at 292 level crossings.