PM Transcripts

C-1-br-C
EMBARGO: 12.3U AEST
lAUSTALIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA FRIDAY, 14 JANUARY 1983
ALICE SPRINGS TO DARWIN RAILWAY BY 1988
The Commonwealth Government has decided that the Alice Springs
to Darwin railway will be completed by 1988 Australia's
Bicentennial Year.
This rail link will be of tremendous economic, social and defence
significance to Australia and will be the largest currentrailway
development project in the world. It will be completed
at a cost of $ 545 million.
There are 1,440 kilometres of track to be laid, almost twice the
length of the new Tarcoola to Alice Springs railway. During
the construction phase it will provide employment, both
directly and indirectly, for over 1,250 people.
The project will be of particular significance to South Australia,
and the Northern Territory. For example, about 150,000 tonnes
of steel rail will be required from Whyalla and more than
2h million concrete or steel1 sleepers will beneeded. This'new
production will provide much needed job opportunities and a
welcome shot in the arm for the steel industry.
The massive undertaking will provide long term benef its for
all Australians.
As well as breaking down the isolation of our North, the provision
of fast, economic and reliable all-weather rail link, will be a
boon to the economic and social development of the area. It will
ensure effective competition between all modes of transport to.
provide the most cost effective movement of qoods. It will give
greater-accessibility for manufacturers, the mining industry
and primary producers to domestic and international markets. It
will also help this fascinating area of our continent realise its
full tourist potential.
I am confident that major development projects such as this
capture the imagination of all Australians. They have the
potential to stimulate our national pride and confidence.
They demonstrate the need for us to set national goals. They
reflect our confidence. in the future of our great nation.
This project gives effect to an undertaking first made, to the nation
by the Commonwealth in 1910. It will also bring forward the
fulfilment of our 1980 election promise to complete the Alice
Springs to Darwin railway in 10 years. We have an obligation to this
land, which gives us so much, to ensure that such visionary projects
are not just concepts but realities. Only then will we be well
placed to reap the rewards of Australia for Australians.
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