In January 2025, the WA Premier announced the State Government was entering negotiations with ARC Infrastructure to buy back the Great Southern Rail (GSR) Network lease. This triggered renewed regional momentum, with RDA Great Southern updating its economic discussion paper, Back on Track, to outline priority rail upgrades and the economic, safety and emissions benefits that could follow if the network returns to the State’s transport portfolio. The RDA has recommenced targeted engagement with local government networks, industry and elected officials.

The Great Southern and parts of the Wheatbelt depend on rail and road corridors to move grain and other freight to ports. Shifts in network efficiency and costs have contributed to higher reliance on heavy road freight, increasing pressure on road maintenance and raising safety and environmental concerns. There is also longstanding community interest in improved rail options, including the potential reinstatement of Perth–Albany passenger services, (last operated in 1978), though feasibility and cost remain key constraints.

Project objectives

• Strengthen the evidence base for strategic rail upgrades and operational improvements through the refreshed Back on Track discussion paper.
• Build regional alignment across Great Southern and Wheatbelt local governments.
• Influence investment and policy considerations by engaging government, agencies and elected representatives to position rail as critical strategic infrastructure to sustain and improve regional productivity, safety and net zero enablement.

Approach and activities

• 2019–2022: RDA Great Southern supported an emerging rail interest/advocacy effort. A White Paper identified three priority opportunities: freight, passenger and tourism.
• Late 2022–2023: The Advocacy Group presented a White Paper at a 2023 Western Australia Local Government Association Zone meeting.
• 2023–2024: Advocacy Group activity slowed; however, RDA continued stakeholder engagement.
• 2024–2025: Following the January 2025 announcement, RDA fully updated Back on Track and recommenced advocacy.

Benefits and expected outcomes of GSR upgrades

• Freight efficiency, increased capacity and faster transport between regional grain depots and seaports, with reduced train time and potentially fewer track kilometres.
• Reduced heavy haulage truck movements, improving road safety.
• A meaningful contribution toward Net Zero targets and supporting emissions reduction.
• Longer-term potential for Perth–Albany passenger rail and associated rail tourism growth (subject to feasibility, upgrades, access agreements and insurance considerations).

Next steps – Stakeholder engagement (2026–2027)

• Continue advocacy with local government agencies and networks across the regions; WA Government (including Infrastructure WA and the WA Department of Transport); elected representatives; and industry and commodity groups.
• Develop marketing and public relations strategies to inform the public.
• Source funding for feasibility studies, including potential staged freight upgrades and passenger/tourism access.