PM Transcripts

Transcripts from the Prime Ministers of Australia

Gorton, John

Period of Service: 10/01/1968 - 10/03/1971
Release Date:
26/02/1970
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
2191
Document:
00002191.pdf 1 Page(s)
Released by:
  • Gorton, John Grey
PORT AUGUSTA-WHYALLA RAILWAY - STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, MR JOHN GORTON

FOR PRESS P. M. No 34/ 1970
PORT AUGUSTA-WHYALLA RAILWAY
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr John Gorton
I am pleased to have signed today an Agreement with the
Premier of South Australia, Mr R. S. Hall, for the building of a
railway between Port Augusta and Whyalla.
( Mr Gorton had announced in his Election Policy Speech that
this railway would be built,
Under the Agreement signed today the railway will be a
standard gauge link to be financed, constructed and operated by the
Commonwealth. The cost of construction and rolling stock is estimated
to be about $ 8 million.
The Agreement provides for the definition of the route, the
provision of fencing, and arrangements for road crossings. The
construction timetable will depend on the results of tenders to be called
in the near future, but it is hoped that the work will be completed by
the end of 1971. The Agreement will take effect after authorising legislation
has been passed by both the Commonwealth and State Parliaments. The
Commonwealth will introduce its legislation in the forthcoming Parliamentary
Session.
CANBERRA 26 February 1970

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