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Tool
Junior Train Controller
Joined: Apr 13, 2004
Last Visited: Sep 25, 2008
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 6:45 am
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http://nwtasmania.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/shunt-rail-line-funds-to-highway/783632.aspx
| Quote: | A LONG-TIME road campaigner has called for the ditching of a plan to reopen the Burnie-Circular Head rail line and for promised funding to be reallocated.
In last year's federal election campaign, Labor committed $30 million to rebuild the 80km line to Wiltshire, east of Smithton, which has been closed for several years.
A key player in the fight to upgrade the Sisters Hills stretch of the Bass Hwy, Trevor Duniam says those funds could be better spent.
Mr Duniam believes the Wiltshire line will not be a viable freight operation.
He argues that the Bass Hwy should instead be upgraded to a consistent standard.
However, the federal and state governments are standing by the commitment to reopen the Wiltshire line, although neither would go as far as to back its viability.
Local mayors, meanwhile, want to see a business plan for the rail link (see separate stories).
Perhaps tellingly, the state's only major rail operator, Pacific National, does not seem to have any great interest in the line.
"We are aware of the potential reopening of this line, however, we have not engaged in meaningful discussions with the government at this stage," a spokesperson said.
"We would consider the viability of operating on that line if and when the line is reopened."
In announcing its funding commitment in November last year, federal Labor said the Wiltshire to Burnie rail line would be upgraded to "get logs from the North-West to the pulp mill and reduce trucks on the Bass Hwy and other roads".
Mr Duniam said other than the projected increase in log traffic, he could not see any great demand for the line.
The 20km distance between Wiltshire and Smithton would deter primary producers and processors, he said.
"Even if they got all the log trucks off the road, we'd still have milk trucks, cattle trucks and spud trucks," he said.
"I can't see anybody loading a truck at Smithton and unloading it onto a train at Wiltshire.
"The viability (of a reopened line) would be questioned all the way."
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derwentparkjunc
Locomotive Fireman
Joined: Sep 03, 2006
Last Visited: Nov 20, 2008
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Tascop
Junior Train Controller
Joined: Aug 05, 2006
Last Visited: Nov 4, 2008
Location: Devonport, Tas
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 7:35 am
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I notice they say in a related article that the line was shut as is was not viable. I thought it shut as PNT didn't have the locos to haul logs so they dummped them. Also a wee bit of track work was needed. If the government rebuild the line and logs get back on the rails there is no reason that this line would not be viable and the carnage on this streach of road will stop. Nearly all accidents of late have involved trucks. Cheaper to go reopen the rail line then rebuild 70 odd km of highway and then rebuild it every ten years due to the damage from trucks!!!!!!
But I guess I'm preaching to the converted on this site.
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austrain
Train Controller
Joined: Dec 17, 2006
Last Visited: Nov 20, 2008
Location: NSW
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 4:32 pm
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had plenty of locos at the time of closure, the track was a big issue, more bridges required work and new sleepers. They couldnt justify the cost of upgrade V profit and were having to many derailments.
However when they stopped running logs statewide that was loco shortages and condition of the log wagons. They were not carting enough logs for any stand a lone train, therefore was just a hassle to them. Now they think containers are to much hassle!
Shame the Smithton extension got canned.
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Z1NorthernProgress2110
Chief Commissioner
Joined: Nov 30, 2004
Last Visited: Nov 23, 2008
Location: Burnie, Tasmania
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 4:43 pm
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But, austrain, is or was there much traffic out of Smithton to warrant the extension? I can only think of 2 company's, McCains and that seafood place near Duck river. Sure, there could be traffic for wood processing as well.
Its interesting to hear about the log wagons condition, didn't think they were that bad.
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austrain
Train Controller
Joined: Dec 17, 2006
Last Visited: Nov 20, 2008
Location: NSW
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:49 pm
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not enough to warrant it now, future???
from wat we told early on in the Pulp Mill crap was that new wagons would be needed, the FD's were knocked around badly on the rock trains. If had large numbers of logs to cart out of the current stock (that is still useable) wouldn't have enough.
all the FE's on the ground at ETJ are stuffed. Maybe again it's the cost to repair the existing wagons. PNT not interested, whether another operater would be or not?????
Remember the very short lived QN convertable log wagon, was good in theory and something that worked better would be an easy way to cross utilse wagons for both logs or containers. Another thing AN had was 20" container bases with log stanchons, another possible option (maybe build them to 40" though) Again only need a container wagon for this option.
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BP4417
Junior Train Controller
Joined: Jan 14, 2007
Last Visited: Nov 21, 2008
Location: Launceston, Tasmania
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