Westrail : comparison to F.A.

["Simon Barber" <simjbarb@optusnet.com.au>]

It has been interesting to read about how the pendulum in Victoria is now
swinging back to rail transport.  This has been due to Freight Australia's
efforts to capture traffic, while the new Government has recognized the
importance of developing suitable rail links, particularly to port
facilities.  Getting rail into Webb and Swanston Docks, and a standard gauge
link into Geelong, is definitely the way to go.
Here in W.A., the same type of stupid decisions as made in Victoria have
been made.  There is no narrow gauge access into Fremantle Harbour, the
state's major port.  Shipping containers railed up from Bunbury can only
come as far as Kwinana, then must be trucked the remaining 25km to
Fremantle!  Westrail can't even get narrow gauge trains into Kewdale, which
is Perth's major freight terminal.  Imagine if Freight Australia couldn't
get broad gauge trains into Dynon.  Governments of both persuasions have not
just ignored rail freight in the state over the past 20 years, they have
actively discriminated against it.  The main benefactor has been the heavy
road haulage industry, who can now bring their big rigs into Perth.
Congratulations to F.A. on what they have achieved.  Hopefully during 2000,
the tide will turn in the west and we shall get a properly run railway
again.