South Australia urgently needs to reconnect its largest regional city — Mount Gambier — to the state’s capital by rail.

We, the undersigned, call on the South Australian and Federal Governments to fund a feasibility study to reinstate the Adelaide to Mount Gambier rail line, upgraded to standard gauge to support both passenger and freight services.

Mount Gambier is the second-largest city in South Australia, yet it remains completely disconnected from the state’s rail network — a missed opportunity for economic, environmental, and regional growth.

 
🚆 Why This Matters:
Regional development: Rail will unlock jobs, housing, education access, and tourism across the Limestone Coast.
Road safety: The Dukes Highway is one of Australia’s most dangerous roads. Every truck shifted to rail saves lives.
Climate and sustainability: Trains emit significantly less carbon than trucks or cars — and provide car-free mobility.
Freight and industry: The South East’s timber and agriculture sectors need reliable, scalable rail transport.
Population decentralisation: As Adelaide grows, regional rail helps spread that growth beyond the metro sprawl.
 
🔎 What We're Asking:
We respectfully urge governments to:

Fund a detailed feasibility study to restore the Adelaide–Mount Gambier rail line using standard gauge;
Assess both freight and passenger services, including connections via Naracoorte and Murray Bridge;
Engage local communities and industries through consultation and economic modelling.
 
📊 The Case is Already Building:
A report by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast estimates reinstating freight rail between Mount Gambier and Heywood could benefit local business by $15.6 million per year.
Victoria is actively expanding its regional rail with V/Line upgrades — why is South Australia being left behind?
This isn't just about trains — it's about safety, equity, opportunity, and sustainability.

 
📢 Take Action:
Let’s transform a neglected corridor into a modern lifeline between Adelaide and the South East.
Sign and share to support a better-connected South Australia.

 
🔗 Also see:

Melbourne to Mount Gambier petition.

High Speed Rail Trial petition.