Just prior to the Government going into Caretaker Mode Minister Fox issued a press release indicating we have scored an early victory over a previous non negotiable to re-establish the Millswood Railway Station.
A copy of her press release follows:
Belair rail services will return to Millswood station from 1 July for a 12-month trial.
Minister for Transport Services Chloë Fox said the trial will gauge the support for a reopened
station.
“After nearly 20 years, Belair services will be resuming at Millswood station,” Ms Fox said.
“Millswood was closed by the former Liberal Government as part of the rationalisation of
services when the Belair passenger line was reduced to a single track.
“This trial will determine whether rail services can now be permanently reinstated.
“During the 12-month trial, Adelaide Metro will gather patronage figures to determine whether
there is sufficient support for a permanent reopening of the station.
“The Belair timetable, which is being revised to include the recently completed Showgrounds
station, will also be updated from July to take into account departures from Millswood.
“The decision to trial the resumption of services follows strong representations by Steph Key
MP, the Member for Ashford.
“Ms Key has argued forcefully that the local community supports a resumption of rail services.
“As part of the trial, $400,000 raised through the Transport Development Levy will be invested
to upgrade the old station so that it is safe and disability access compliant.”
Ms Key welcomed the Government’s decision. “I have worked with the local community for the
past 10 years to have this station reopened,” she said.
“The reopening of the Millswood station is a fantastic opportunity for local residents and
members of the Reopen Millswood Station Action Group to show their support for rail services.
“The State Government has demonstrated its support for the Belair line through recent track
upgrades and the construction of the new Showgrounds station.
“I am confident that people in the Millswood and Kings Park area will embrace this trial and
provide a convincing argument for retaining this service well beyond 2015.”
After nearly 20 years out of service, significant work is required to bring the platform up to
current standards for passenger rail stations. This extensive work includes providing disability
access and ensuring it is safe for commuters, which will take a few months to complete.