Fast train not yet viable: MLA

An online petition calling for the Mandurah train line to be extended to Bunbury has attracted more than 2300 signatures in five days, but leaders are not convinced the timing is right.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli and Mayor Gary Brennan both believe a high-speed train to Bunbury will eventually happen and land has been set aside in the Koombana North development for a future station.

Mr Castrilli said the line had been considered in planning for when population density made it viable.

“At this point, the economic elements don’t allow for a fast train line to be constructed because the feasibility doesn’t stack up in terms of providing that service on an economic basis,” Mr Castrilli said.

“However it is part of a long-term strategic plan so that it can be constructed in future.”

Mr Brennan agreed it was a matter of economics and although there was is no question it would happen he had “no idea” of the timing.

The State Government conducted a feasibility study in 2010 but then Transport Minister Simon O’Brien rejected the idea, saying the true cost of a ticket would be between $170 and $435.

Bunbury is served only by the Australind train, which has travelled about 6,000,000km according to the Transwa website and runs just two return services daily.

The petition was started by Bunbury resident Nikki Howard, who works in Kwinana and wanted to show the level of community support for a train line.

Online petitions cannot be formally presented to State Parliament because they must be printed and comply with statutory requirements.

South West MLC Adele Farina believed the community wanted a fast train.

“An improved train service will lead to better connectivity between Perth and the South West and will deliver long-term economic benefits to the region,” she said.

“This is an important project for the people of Bunbury and I believe the preliminary work should be undertaken to determine the best option to secure an improved train service for Bunbury in the future.”