Ministerial Statement: Tas, Rail Decision Announced

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Graeme Sturges, MP

Minister for Infrastructure
Wednesday, 25 February 2009   
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Tas, Rail Decision Announced
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The Minister for Infrastructure, Graeme Sturges, said today that he had been formally advised by Asciano of its decision to cease the sales process for its Tasmanian rail assets and of its intention to exit Tasmanian operations in the medium term.

?I will continue to work with Pacific National?s parent company, Asciano, to ensure that rail freight remains a viable transport option in Tasmania,? Mr Sturges said.

?I share the company?s desire for a smooth and staged transition of responsibility for rail operations.

?I also appreciate the fact that Pacific National have committed to maintain the track and provide rail haulage services in line with its obligations under the Rail Management and Maintenance Deed while a managed transition occurs.

?While the sale process was underway it was not appropriate for the State Government to be directly involved, but the latest development now requires our direct negotiation with the company.?

Mr Sturges said that the Government would not speculate on the outcomes of any negotiations, but would work constructively with Asciano to ensure the best possible outcome for rail customers and Tasmania.

?The Government is committed to rolling out the $122 million rail upgrade of the Tasmanian rail network,? Mr Sturges said.   

?Already considerable progress has been made on a $30 million capital improvement program involving the replacement of 20 kilometres of rail and 140,000 sleepers.

?These are all tangible examples of our determination to ensure the future viability of rail freight operations,? Mr Sturges said.

Further information:   Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573