Reignite the Rails: Restore Passenger Train Services from Adelaide to Broken Hill

The issue

The historic rail link between Adelaide and Broken Hill once stood as a testament to the pioneering spirit of our nation. Today, it remains a vital connection waiting to be revived.

We, the undersigned, call upon the South Australian and New South Wales Governments to fund a feasibility study into reintroducing passenger rail services between Adelaide and Broken Hill, utilizing the existing standard gauge corridor via Crystal Brook.


🚉 Why This Matters:
🌆 Regional equity: Broken Hill is a significant regional centre with growing needs — yet it has no passenger rail service.
✈️ Reliable regional travel alternatives: The near-collapse of Rex Airlines has left regional travellers with limited air options. A modern rail service would provide a dependable and comfortable alternative for residents and visitors alike.
🏭 Industrial and economic growth: The region supports heavy industry, manufacturing, and freight — all requiring reliable transport options.
🏥 Access to services: Rail makes it easier for regional residents to reach Adelaide’s hospitals, universities, and services — and for visitors to access the Upper Spencer Gulf.
👵🧓 Mobility and inclusion: A rail service supports seniors, students, and people without cars in a region with long travel distances and limited bus options.
🚗 Road safety: The Barrier Highway is a high-risk corridor. Every train trip means fewer cars and safer roads.
🚄 Modern rail services: Using modern, fuel-efficient railcars like VLocity or similar would provide fast, reliable, and comfortable passenger connections — encouraging regular use and boosting regional mobility.
 
✅ What We’re Asking:
We respectfully urge the South Australian and New South Wales Governments to:

Fund a feasibility study into reintroducing passenger rail from Adelaide to Broken Hill, via Crystal Brook.
Assess the use of the existing standard gauge track for regional services.
Explore economic benefits for the Upper Spencer Gulf, including job access, freight integration, and tourism.
 
🛤️ Reconnecting Our Regions
The Adelaide–Broken Hill rail corridor is more than just a transport link; it's a symbol of our shared history and a pathway to a more connected and prosperous future. Let's bring back the train and reconnect our communities.

Sign and share this petition if you support smart, sustainable, regional rail.

 

1,644

The issue

The historic rail link between Adelaide and Broken Hill once stood as a testament to the pioneering spirit of our nation. Today, it remains a vital connection waiting to be revived.

We, the undersigned, call upon the South Australian and New South Wales Governments to fund a feasibility study into reintroducing passenger rail services between Adelaide and Broken Hill, utilizing the existing standard gauge corridor via Crystal Brook.


🚉 Why This Matters:
🌆 Regional equity: Broken Hill is a significant regional centre with growing needs — yet it has no passenger rail service.
✈️ Reliable regional travel alternatives: The near-collapse of Rex Airlines has left regional travellers with limited air options. A modern rail service would provide a dependable and comfortable alternative for residents and visitors alike.
🏭 Industrial and economic growth: The region supports heavy industry, manufacturing, and freight — all requiring reliable transport options.
🏥 Access to services: Rail makes it easier for regional residents to reach Adelaide’s hospitals, universities, and services — and for visitors to access the Upper Spencer Gulf.
👵🧓 Mobility and inclusion: A rail service supports seniors, students, and people without cars in a region with long travel distances and limited bus options.
🚗 Road safety: The Barrier Highway is a high-risk corridor. Every train trip means fewer cars and safer roads.
🚄 Modern rail services: Using modern, fuel-efficient railcars like VLocity or similar would provide fast, reliable, and comfortable passenger connections — encouraging regular use and boosting regional mobility.
 
✅ What We’re Asking:
We respectfully urge the South Australian and New South Wales Governments to:

Fund a feasibility study into reintroducing passenger rail from Adelaide to Broken Hill, via Crystal Brook.
Assess the use of the existing standard gauge track for regional services.
Explore economic benefits for the Upper Spencer Gulf, including job access, freight integration, and tourism.
 
🛤️ Reconnecting Our Regions
The Adelaide–Broken Hill rail corridor is more than just a transport link; it's a symbol of our shared history and a pathway to a more connected and prosperous future. Let's bring back the train and reconnect our communities.

Sign and share this petition if you support smart, sustainable, regional rail.

 

The Decision Makers

The Hon Catherine King MP
The Hon Catherine King MP
Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Petition updates