Overland Train Service

In reply to the Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (4 September 2018).

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment): The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government has advised:

1. That he met with Great Southern Rail on 2 October 2018. This involved Mr Chris Tallent, Group Chief Executive of Journey Beyond, and Mr Steve Kernighan, Managing Director of Great Southern Rail.

Following the meeting, the minister has given careful consideration to the request for funding support and discussed the matter with the Victorian government.

In challenging fiscal times, the South Australian government needs to carefully prioritise its funding to maximise benefits for all South Australians.

Unfortunately, due to the relatively low passenger levels for the service, particularly within regional South Australia and availability of other transport options for these regional communities such as coach services, the state government has come to the difficult conclusion that an extension to the current funding agreement is unable to be justified when assessed against other funding priorities.

2. I will take this opportunity to thank Great Southern Rail for its interest and investment in regional rail services in South Australia.

Demand for visitor services and experiences is constantly evolving and, in order to be relevant in a highly competitive market, we must constantly review and adapt our product.

From a tourism perspective, all government investment is weighted against our target of achieving an $8 billion visitor economy by 2020.