The South Australian Government has announced major cuts to the state's rail infrastructure spending after Treasurer Jack Snelling handed down a lean 2012-13 State Budget.

 

Mr Snelling blamed a 'record revenue write-down' on his Government's decision to suspend a number of major projects in the state's rail sector.

 

“A total saving of $372.9 million through to 2015-16 will result from the suspension of electrification while we wait for revenues to return to more normal levels before proceeding with the electrification of the Gawler and Outer Harbor lines.”

Mr Snelling said the changes to the rail system also included:

  • From the end of 2013/early 2014, electric railcars will exclusively service southern commuters with increased services;
  • The State Government will spend $110 million in 2012-13 for the grade separation at Goodwood. This is the first stage of the joint State and Commonwealth Government funded $443 million upgrade of the Goodwood and Torrens rail junctions;
  • This will coincide with the Noarlunga line upgrade and electrification works;
  • A suspension of the proposed standardisation of the metropolitan rail network that was meant to commence in 2015-16, saving $35 million in 2015-16 and meaning the suspension of light rail plans to Port Adelaide, West Lakes and Semaphore;
  •  The construction of a new rail station at St Clair and the completion of the Elizabeth turnback will continue as planned with the turnback to support increased frequency of rail services between Adelaide and Elizabeth;
  • The rail re-sleepering works will continue as planned across all lines;
  • The train protection system will be rolled out across the rail network as the system is electrified; and
  • Savings of $12.9 million over two years through the deferral of a program to purchase land for a future rail corridor between Seaford and Aldinga to 2016-17