Answers to Questions

LONSDALE RAILWAY STATION

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (10 November 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for State/Local Government Relations): The minister for Transport Services has advised:

1. Following the incident, the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) had its Chief Engineer inspect the pedestrian crossing at Lonsdale. The crossing was assessed as being in excellent condition, with all signage and markings meeting guidelines and line of sight in both directions being clear and unobstructed for approximately 500 to 600 metres.

Mr Peter Doggett, the then Acting Executive Director, Public Transport Services Division (PTSD), contacted Minda Inc. and offered to help with any rail training resources that might assist members of their community.

Staff from PTSD's Community Engagement, Accessibility and Safety and Risk teams, also met with representatives from Minda and Bedford Industries to make them aware of existing DPTI rail safety awareness resources and to make suggestions for the safety and awareness program which Minda and Bedford Industries are developing collaboratively.

2. The 2012-13 state budget has committed $80,000 for the installation of an automated system at the pedestrian crossing on the Noarlunga rail line at Lonsdale.

DPTI currently is undertaking a detailed investigation, including a full risk analysis of treatments that can provide improved protection.

3. Decisions on priorities for investment, under the Labor government initiated Safer Pedestrian Crossing program, were made by the then TransAdelaide. This followed a full survey of every pedestrian crossing on the network. The survey examined the number and type of users, particulars of each site (e.g. sight lines) and the number and directions of trains.

Expert external consulting advice was then sought on the prioritisation of investment. Under this program a range of interventions were implemented including automated gates, electronic second train warning systems and maze improvements.

The state government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the safety of our rail network through these initiatives and the recent funding allocation in the state budget, and will continue to make safety a priority for those working within and using our rail network.