23 May 2019

Jeremy Rockliff MP

2019-20 Budget: $16 million upgrades to the West Coast Wilderness Railway

The Hodgman Liberal Government’s 2019-20 State Budget is about maintaining the momentum and investing for growth, including in our key tourism infrastructure.

The Budget includes a substantial investment of $16 million over four years to support the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a key tourism drawcard for the West Coast and North West.

The investment will include substantial upgrades to the railway’s infrastructure and expand capacity with new rolling stock

The popularity of the railway has seen visitor numbers spike from 20 270 four years ago to 32 551 last year, and it is currently experiencing around 7.21 per cent visitor growth year-on-year.

This crucial investment will ensure the ongoing viability of the West Coast Wilderness Railway as a safe, unique, authentic, enjoyable and interactive heritage tourism icon.

It will also see the replacement of some 18 kilometres of track, as well as bridge upgrades to ensure the railway maintains its high standards of safety and customer experience.

The upgrade of rolling stock includes the introduction of a fourth steam locomotive to meet operational needs and increase operational capacity.

This funding builds on the $18.5 million we have already invested in the railway since 2014.

By revitalising the West Coast Wilderness Railway we are ensuring it continues to bring visitors to the region and that this one of a kind experience can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

This budget contains record spending on infrastructure like the West Coast Wilderness Railway and it will not only help address today’s challenges, but will set up our State for a future and ensure we all share in the benefits of economic growth.