06 June 2011 in Media
The Gillard Labor Government has again ignored the concerns of Adelaide Hills residents by giving final approval to construct a new crossing loop at Verdun.
As part of its 2008 economic stimulus measures, the Federal Government allocated $20 million to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) to build a new crossing loop on the current Adelaide Hills rail line.
Local residents have raised significant concerns with the project and the impact it may have on the community, particularly with respect to increased noise pollution and bushfire risks. Unfortunately, these concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
The construction of a new loop will further irritate local residents who are fed up with the noise and frequency of freight trains.
Rather than giving local residents more headaches, the Federal Government and the ARTC should be working towards a long-term plan, with the view to removing freight trains from the Adelaide Hills altogether.
There are significant long-term concerns about freight capacity, bushfire safety and noise pollution on the current line.
Unfortunately, this decision confirms that Labor has given up on assessing alternate routes for rail freight movement in and out of Adelaide.
Not only are local residents opposed to the project, the $20 million of federal funding was announced as an economic stimulus measure during the global financial crisis.
Quite clearly, the economic justification for funding this project has passed.
The Federal Government is funding a project based on an economic justification that no longer exists and a project the community does not want.