The SA Government has committed $111 million (over 10 years) in its 2021-22 State Budget to give metropolitan Adelaide railway stations much-needed renovations.
Fifteen stations along the Gawler Line, as well as other stations across the network, will be upgraded, providing a more enjoyable and safer journey for Adelaide train commuters and supporting 110 full time jobs at construction peak.
Adelaide stations to be upgraded between 2021 and 2025 will include:
- 14 stations along the Gawler Line ($20 million 50:50 with the Commonwealth Government)
- Ovingham Railway Station ($10 million) (also on the Gawler Line but funded separately)
- Woodlands Railway Station ($1.5 million)
- Ethelton Railway Station ($5 million)
- Adelaide Railway Station ($6.4 million)
- Goodwood Railway Station ($5 million)
SA Premier, Steven Marshall, said the funding will help to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and catch public transport.
“We saw, under the former Labor government, public transport patronage dwindle to embarrassingly low levels,” Mr Marshall said.
“My government is getting on with delivering not only the long-awaited and much-anticipated electrification of the Gawler Line, but also desperately needed upgrades to our rail infrastructure.
“We know that if we can get more people onto our buses and trains it will help to ease traffic congestion on our roads and reduce the impacts on the environment.
“Our Budget for a stronger South Australia is creating jobs, building what matters and delivering better services to further secure our state’s growing global reputation as one of the safest and most attractive places in the world to live, work and raise a family.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the upgrade works will include new shelters, seating and bins, lighting upgrades, painting and landscaping.
“The stations on our train network were left to go to wrack and ruin under the former Labor government which no doubt had an impact on the number of South Australians using public transport,” Mr Wingard said.
“This investment in a Station Refresh program will complement the extensive cleaning blitz the new rail operator Keolis Downer has undertaken across the network.
“The Marshall Liberal Government was elected to deliver better services and that is why we’re investing in our public transport network – to deliver better and more frequent train services.”
