Release date: 15/06/22

The Malinauskas Labor Government will preserve a corridor of land for a potential future extension of the Seaford rail line to Aldinga, ensuring there are long-term options for expanding public transport in South Australia.

The move reverses the decision taken under the former Marshall Liberal Government to pursue private development of part of the land, which would have terminated any prospect of a future extension of the rail line.

In October 2021, Renewal SA began a process to secure a private development partner for a 60-hectare site at Aldinga.

The reserved rail corridor runs directly through the earmarked land parcel.

Renewal SA has now terminated its Request for Proposal process for the Aldinga site. All affected proponents have been notified.

Renewal SA will work with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport regarding requirements for the reserved rail corridor before embarking on a new market process for the remaining land.

The decision also affects plans for a 3.8ha block neighbouring Cardijn College Galilee for an expansion of the school. Renewal SA will now work with representatives from the College regarding alternative solutions for the school’s expansion.

Although there are no plans in the next decade to build a train extension to Aldinga, this decision leaves open the option to pursue this in the 2030s.

The immediate focus of the government is the duplication of Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road.


Quotes

Attributable to Peter Malinauskas

I want to lead a government with a vision for the long term. Preserving this land for a future rail extension ensures we have long term options in the future.

Selling off this land for private development now means we would not have the option to pursue a rail extension in future years.

That’s short-term thinking and I am pleased we have been able to preserve this land for future generations.

Attributable to Nick Champion

This is yet another example where the Malinauskas Labor Government won’t hesitate to make significant decisions with an eye to future generations.

While there is clearly not a specific, funded plan for a rail extension to Aldinga, selling this land now would rob our state of the option to make that investment in the future.

Attributable to Leon Bignell

The former Labor Government extended the train line from Noarlunga Centre to Seaford and it would be fantastic if in future years we could extend the Seaford line to Aldinga.

Preserving this land keeps that option alive and is yet another sign of Labor’s commitment to the growing southern suburbs.

The Marshall Government asked for community feedback on the development of the Aldinga land almost four years ago and then promptly ignored the wishes of the community.

When I asked the former government whether they’d sold the rail corridor land they were evasive about the sale. I’m glad the Malinauskas Government has listened to representations from people like me and have reversed the decision.