There is an emerging trend of zero serious occurrences (Category A) which is encouraging given the high level of disturbance to the operating railway. The estimates were based on historical data and these will be reviewed further in the next financial year.

The actuals for 2004/05 are below the upper control limit and PTA will continue to monitor and control the rate of occurrences.

Regional school bus services

Accidents attributable to all causes are notified to and recorded by the School Bus Team Leader Vehicle Inspector. The performance measure for the notifiable occurrences is expressed as the number of notifiable occurrences (accidents) reported during the school year. A low level of incidents indicates that sound safety procedures and controls exist and are being adhered to throughout the regional school bus fleet.

A total of one major and eleven minor accidents occurred in 2004/05. Although this is disappointing compared to the target level there were no physical injuries or fatalities involving school students.

Outcome 2: Protection of the long term functionality of the rail corridor and railway infrastructure

The most significant issue for this outcome is the management of the long term lease of the rail freight infrastructure to Westnet Rail Pty Ltd.

Under the terms and conditions of the railway infrastructure lease, an independent inspection of the railway infrastructure is carried out every five years. The first independent inspection was completed in June 2005.

The results of this inspection did not indicate any cause for concern and that the rail corridor and infrastructure is being satisfactorily maintained.