Delay in Alice to Darwin railway contract

[Martin Hutchens <mjhutch@senet.com.au>]

Delay in Alice to Darwin railway
contract
 
The South Australian and Northern Territory
governments are playing down a delay in the deal that
will mark the final sign-off on the Alice Springs to
Darwin railway.

An important contract signing was due this week, but it
may now have to wait until the end of July.

Negotiations between the Asia Pacific Transport
Corporation and the various governments involved are
in their final stages.

The South Australian premier John Olsen says he can
see no major obstacles to a sign-off.

However, Northern Territory Chief Minister Denis Burke
says time for an imminent deal is running out.

"If we cannot achieve contract closure by June the
22nd, there will be one month's break because both
Premier John Olsen and myself will be out of the
country during that period," he said.

Great Southern Railway, operator of the famous Ghan,
is not waiting for the closure.

The company is planning two weekly passenger services
to Darwin for nine months of the year, and one
per week in the Wet season.

Chief Executive Stephen Bradford says detailed
designs for new railway stations at Tennant Creek and
Katherine are now on the drawing board, and the
Katherine stop-over will include an opportunity for
tourists to visit the famous Gorge.

Northern Territory chief minister Denis Burke says the
planning by GSR is proof of industry confidence,
despite the possible delay in contract closure.

"The detailed design work is being done now," he said.

"That is what will lead to tenders being let and I fully
expect the workforce to be mobilised by
September/October - so there are no changes in that
regard."