South on track for an election

Extending the rail line to Aldinga will get more cars off the road, help the growing number of families in the south and make it cheaper for pensioners to travel, say residents, environmental groups and Onkaparinga Council.

They have called on the major political parties to commit funding for the extension from Seaford in the lead-up to the Federal Election on August 21.

Onkaparinga Mayor Lorraine Rosenberg said road and rail infrastructure were two of the council’s main priorities for the election.

“We can validate the need for funding for road and rail because of growth infrastructure needs to match growth,” she said.

Ms Rosenberg said the extension to Aldinga had been identified as part of the council’s Integrated Transport Strategy 2008-2013.

The State Government has set aside $34 million to buy the rail corridor, but Commonwealth funds would be needed to ensure the project could proceed afer the corridor was purchased. The exact route is expected to be announced later this year.

Forums: Discuss and share your thoughts on the Aldinga rail line extension

Aldinga Arts Eco Village deputy presiding member Ray Mines said residents should be able to cycle to the local station and catch the train to work.

“From an environmental perspective I would welcome the rail extension because efficient, affordable public transport reduces traffic on our roads,” Mr Mines said. Willunga resident Joy Forrest said she supported the rail extension, so long as there were “sufficient feeder buses” to Willunga, Sellicks Beach and Port Willunga.

Friends of Willunga Basin secretary David Gill said the rail extension to Aldinga was an important long-term goal.

“Climate change means we have to be getting out of our cars and using other transport,” he said.

Sellicks Beach resident Jodi Honnor-Figuron said there were “a lot of beautiful spots” in the outer south, but it was difficult for tourists to get to.

Kingston MHR Amanda Rishworth (Labor) said she would “certainly support” an extension to Aldinga, once the corridor was bought by the State Government.

Liberal candidate Chris Zanker said his party supported the rail extension to Aldinga, and saw the need to extend even further south in the future.

Greens candidate Palitja Moore called for bi-partisan support to fund the project.

via Messenger News