Possible new Rail Spur for East Devonport ?

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2003 1:03 pm

Reading todays (3/7/03) Advocate Newspaper I saw a front page story regarding Patrick Corp's intention with Tasrail to explore the possibility of a Rail link to their newly expanded Port Operations. I know this option has been explored since about 1950, but now with Patrick's impetus it might finally happen. The story goes on to say that a new bridge would need to be constructed across the Mersey from the Devonport Yards and then a new line along the eastern foreshore to Patrick's Freight Depot.

If this were to eventuate it would certanily breath new blood into Tasrail as it seems that over recent years they have been fighting a gradual decline in consistent freight contracts throughout the state. Good news indeed, especially for me if it happens as I live only a stone's throw from the Devonport yards. Very Happy

"To err is human. To blame somebody else for it shows managerial potential"

tastigr · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2003 11:51 pm

Given some noise from the Mersey Yacht Club, would this suggest a possible route is already known?

As you said, there has been scuttlebut about this since the 50s, and whilst a spur there would be in the area of 'commonsense', surely a new development would require new planning, acquisition and comment. The need to go through the Yacht Club may not be necessary.

So, to what are they objecting?

Another possibility is the rail spur would terminate near the berth of the Spirit of Tasmania I and II. Would Roger be aware of the potential that would create?
Wink

1067 may not be the only guage, but it sure the hell is fun!

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2003 11:14 am

Good Question. You can bet there will be a lot of noise from the businesses located along the foreshore (if that is the intended route) as well as the Yacht Club, but I think in reality this would be the only real way to get to Patrick's freight loading area. I can't think of any other route that would work to connect to the terminal,can you ?

"To err is human. To blame somebody else for it shows managerial potential"

agabook · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 9:37 pm

if the line terminates near the berth of spirit ofTassie 1 and 2 it is beginning to give me some evil ideas. Twisted Evil

Batchelor is a disgrace,stick a freeway on his head!
new rail to Portsea,East Donny and Rowville

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:18 am

agabook · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 3:06 pm

a couple of members from my family founded Devonport (i'm serious).don't worry,the plan does NOT involve stealing a train.

Batchelor is a disgrace,stick a freeway on his head!
new rail to Portsea,East Donny and Rowville

tasrail2100 · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:06 pm

did anyone else see stateline a very long time ago when they had the maanger of the deck resturant on claiming that a rail spur would be a amssive step in the wrong direction for devonport seeing as "all other major cities in the world are getting rid of the railways."?

funny, it seems only recently the federal government spent billions connecting darwin to the rest of the nation via rail, and i think the contractor has just been announced for a new spur line to the appleton dock in melbourne.

fair enough he doesn't want his resturant demolished but i mean there is no need to lie.

as far as the govenremtn should go, and Patrick/Tasrail, now they are one and the same a rail spur woudl cut costs and provide way more economic benefit than any single resturant could do.

sorry about my typing my hands are freezing, such is life in tasmania.

Vulcan Foundry · Posted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 9:25 pm

It now seems that after the local Council announced plans to spend money and beautify the area surrounding The Deck Restaurant and allow the owner a fastrack process to approve his plans for a bigger outdoor dining area, that he now doesn't mind the idea of a rail bridge now. Funny that ! Wink

Although he also was quoted in saying that he would like the rail bridge to be the same height as the Victoria Bridge..like thats going to happen given the present flat grade that is at sea level.

It now looks even more certain now that this will happen its just amatter of time now and perhaps money, either private or government funds. Smile

"To err is human. To blame somebody else for it shows managerial potential"