WA government plans to regain control of freight rail network

The Western Australian government has announced plans to negotiate the return of the state's freight rail network from private operator Arc Infrastructure, which has managed it under a 49-year lease since 2000. This move aims to address the increasing demands from key sectors, particularly agriculture, as the network has struggled to support record grain harvests and other industries. Premier Roger Cook emphasized that public control would facilitate strategic investments, enhance network efficiency, and improve safety by reducing truck traffic. Critics, including the Nationals WA, have labeled the government's re-election promise as 'disingenuous,' while local farmers have expressed longstanding concerns about the impact of the rail line's dormancy since 2014. The government highlights potential benefits such as job growth, cost-effective transportation, and improved regional rail services. Negotiations will focus on increasing the network's usage to better serve Western Australia's economy and communities.