Doodlakine to remain as Prospector stop
13 August 2003
A proposal for a new railway platform at Doodlakine could ensure the town remains a stopping point on the Prospector route between Perth and Kalgoorlie.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today people could continue to make bookings to and from Doodlakine until a new platform was built 300-400m east of the present position.
Ms MacTiernan said rail track manager WestNet Rail Ltd and the Office of Rail Safety believed the current location was potentially hazardous, as people tended to disregard the nearby rail crossing lights which remained activated while the Prospector was stopped.
"The Government has listened to the local community which feels that losing the station would be a significant setback for the town," she said.
" I acknowledge the representations made by Agricultural Minister Kim Chance MLC on behalf of the shires and residents of Doodlakine.
"A relocated platform would enable signalling modifications to satisfactorily address safety concerns.
"The new platform would include ramps and other facilities for people with mobility difficulties.
"Other options involved moving the station back to its pre-1997 location, two to three kilometres from the town, or closing it altogether, which meant Doodlakine passengers would have to travel to and from Kellerberrin."
Ms MacTiernan said the proposal emerged from a meeting between the Public Transport Authority, rail track manager WestNet Rail Ltd and the Office of Rail Safety.
"We have considered all the options and come up with a proposal, which still needs some development, to meet all the safety requirements and still let the town have a station," she said.
The Minister said the new Public Transport Authority would ask the Shire of Kellerberrin help meet some infrastructure costs for a new platform 300-400m east of the present position.
"The PTA will organise a meeting of stakeholders to develop an implementation plan and consider the funding requirements - the shire will be asked to provide an access road, car park and suitable railing over some drains," she said.