The Hills needs a ‘new deal’ on rail and road infrastructure

With the population of Hills towns continuing to grow rapidly I'm calling on the government to urgently consider further investment in rail and road infrastructure.

Despite my view that passenger rail must form part of the Hills transport solution, Minister Corey Wingard said in May “A rail link between the city and the Adelaide Hills is not financially viable… instead the … [State] Government is investing in road projects to get more freight off the SE Freeway.”

Recent private modelling suggests that the cost of restoring passenger rail services to the Hills might not exceed $350 million.

When compared to the multi-billion dollar cost of the North-South corridor in Adelaide, efficient rail solutions to the Hills (including possible use of the existing rail corridor by installing a dual gauge line) could well be economic. In any event, we're worth it.

Before becoming an independent I had an aggravating conversation with a government adviser. In response to my submissions on a range of vital local projects, the adviser said simply and in effect, Dan, you’re a safe seat, it just isn’t going to happen.

I sincerely believe that only by becoming an independent could I reasonably ensure a true focus on our urgent needs (they don't just include rail).

This week I was pleased to receive a further letter from Infrastructure South Australia (ISA), the agency charged with reviewing the State’s infrastructure priorities.

The letter reads in part: “It is plain to see that recent high levels of growth have presented several infrastructure challenges for the Mount Barker area and there is a need for investment in the region. This includes a lack of compelling public transport services into Adelaide and there is a clear opportunity to better meet commuter needs whilst improving the South Eastern Freeway’s performance and safety. ISA understands this is a longstanding issue and, by all accounts, the community is impatient for a resolution.”

What a refreshing letter from the bureaucracy. I believe we now have the government’s full attention.

I will continue to advocate not only for bus rapid transport solutions between Adelaide and the Hills but also for passenger rail. The government cannot continue to rule out the rail option.

We need a ‘new deal’ for the Hills.

Yours sincerely

Dan Cregan MP