Tasmanian Government introduces legislation to create Tasmanian Railway to replace Pacific National which withdrew operations
September 30, 2009
The Tasmanian Government has introduced legislation into parliament to create a state-owned company to take control of Pacific National Tasmania.
The legislation will ensure formal transfer of ownership to a new company called Tasmanian Railway.
Minister for Infrastructure Graeme Sturges says the new entity will begin operating on November 30.
The Government recently purchased Pacific National from Asciano after the company pulled out of the of Tasmania due to numerous complications.
Sturges says the new rail operator will provide a guarantee to Tasmanian industries that rail has a future in the state.
“The passage of this legislation will provide much needed certainty to Pacific National Tasmania employees, rail customers, and the broader Tasmanian community,” Sturges says.
“It will send a clear message that the recent era of uncertainty with regard to the future of rail services in Tasmania is coming to an end.”
Sturges says he is confident the Tasmanian Parliament will indicate its support for the continuation of rail services in the State and pass the legislation.