Overland Train Service

532 Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (12 February 2018). How were the needs of people who aren't able to fly or drive (bus or car) to Melbourne from Adelaide, or vice versa, considered in the decision to discontinue state government funding for the Overland train service? Are the ongoing impacts of this decision on interstate family or business travel or tourism known to the minister, and were they taken into consideration prior to funding being cut?

The Hon. S.K. KNOLL (Schubert—Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government, Minister for Planning): I have been advised the following—

Over the past 10 years, patronage on the Overland train service has declined by almost 60 per cent.

Total Patronage:

2007—46,553

2017—18,737

While the decision not to extend the funding agreement could potentially have an impact on the personal circumstances of a small number of passengers, an extension to the current funding agreement could not be justified given the declining passenger numbers.

Greater benefits can be delivered to a greater number of regional communities through investment of state government funding in other areas of the transport network, such as through the Regional Roads Infrastructure Fund.

With regards to business travellers, the Overland service only operates twice per week in each direction. Hence the frequency and transit time does not compare favourably with air travel for business customers. With regular alternate transport options available for tourists, the impact on these groups was also considered to be limited.

I am nevertheless pleased to note that the Victorian government is continuing to provide funding for The Overland. This is in line with the significantly higher number of passengers using the service in Victoria.