Hills to Adelaide train link not viable, says Corey Wingard

Adelaide Hills commuters would not be able to make a train link to the CBD viable, the government has decided.

The State Government has ruled out passenger rail from the Adelaide Hills to the city.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Corey Wingard has confirmed he will not entertain a community-wide push to construct a rail line between Mount Barker and the CBD, on grounds it would be too expensive.

The announcement comes only a month after Hills powerbrokers and commuters launched an attack on the State Government over congestion on the South Eastern Freeway, with many calling for a train to end traffic chaos.

Mr Wingard said he did not believe a rail line to be financially viable.

“A rail link between the city and the Adelaide Hills is not financially viable and the excessive costs wouldn’t be the best use of the limited taxpayer dollars compared with other infrastructure priorities,” he said.

“Instead the Marshall Liberal Government is investing in road projects to get more freight off the SE Freeway.”

While not offering an alternative solution to the Hills public transport crisis, Mr Wingard said a newly announced $5m Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass Planning Study would assist in exploring other options.

“The State Government is continuing to explore public transport to and around the Adelaide Hills,” he said.

Adelaide Hills commuters and visitors currently have limited public transport options,

with towns sparsely serviced by SouthLink.

Keoride, an on-demand bus service, also only services Mount Barker, Nairne and Littlehampton, while ride-share services such Uber and DiDi claim government legislations make it too hard to support the regional market.

SA Transport Action Group Chair John Hill said the government’s response was disappointing.

He said his group was working on a report to highlight the feasibility of a rail line, which they planned to present to the department at a later date.

“We think that Mr Wingard needs to listen to some broader opinions (on the issue) to the ones he’s been listening to,” Mr Hill said.

Hills locals Oliver and Julie Corfe, John Hill (Chair of the newly formed SA Transport Action Group) and Simon Jones are calling for a rail line between Mount Barker and the city. Picture: Keryn Stevens

“If he thinks the freeway is going to handle the future with all the development that is happening in the Hills, to not have a rail bypass, then good luck to him.”

Kavel MP Dan Cregan did not respond to calls from the Advertiser following Monday’s announcement.

However, he was among a number of powerbrokers to back a rail line last month, stating the service would relieve freeway congestion, which he blamed on “years of underinvestment”.

“I’m an advocate for extending a third lane from Crafers to Mt Barker and for ultimately restoring passenger rail services to Mt Barker, acknowledging the massive cost and real engineering challenges that would involve, even in the existing corridor,” he said.