ADELAIDE HILLS RAIL LINE

279 The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (3 July 2008) (Second Session).

1. Will the Minister for Transport commit to converting the Belair train line to standard gauge in the near future?

2. If so, is the minister aware that a standard gauge rail line will then extend on that line from Adelaide to Mount Barker?

3. Will the minister commit to entering into negotiations with the Australian Rail Truck Corporation for use of the standard gauge line from Belair to Mount Barker with a view to reinstating passenger trains to the Adelaide Hills and Mount Barker?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): The Minister for Transport has advised:

1. The Minister for Transport has made a commitment to convert the Belair train line to standard gauge.

The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure has awarded a contract for gauge convertible sleepers and preparations are underway for re-sleepering work to commence on the Belair line.

2. The Belair to Mount Barker Junction rail line (which is owned by the Australian Rail Track Corporation) where the rail line to Mount Barker leaves the interstate rail line is currently standard gauge. It is not proposed to convert the rail line from Mount Barker Junction to Mount Barker to standard gauge, nor is it proposed to operate a passenger service to Mount Barker.

3. There is currently no plan to extend the passenger trains beyond Belair.