Calls for passenger rail to Adelaide’s Hills are intensifying ahead of the State election, as the State Government moves to preserve a major new rail corridor, but not in the south-east growth region.
This week the Labor State Government has announced plans to preserve a 33-kilometre rail corridor linking Dry Creek to Two Wells in Adelaide’s north, positioning it as long-term planning to service fast-growing communities.
In the Adelaide Hills, transport advocates say their region is still waiting for meaningful rail investment.
Freight Changes Could Open Door, Group Says
The SA Transport Action Group has renewed its push for passenger rail through the Hills, arguing changes to interstate freight movements could free up the existing freight line for commuter use.
Chair John Hill said construction of a major intermodal freight hub in Melbourne, capable of servicing double-stacked trains travelling between Melbourne and Perth via Parkes in New South Wales, could significantly reduce freight volumes passing through Adelaide.
Because the Hills freight line cannot accommodate double-stacked trains, he believes more interstate services may bypass the state altogether.
“That would make the line more available for passenger trains,” John Hill told The Courier.
The freight corridor runs through the Hills near Mount Barker and has long been identified by advocates as the most practical alignment for any future passenger service.
Government: Billions Required for New Line
Transport Minister Emily Bourke said the existing corridor was a low-speed freight line unsuitable for commuter services.
She said delivering passenger rail to the Hills would require construction of a new line — at a cost of billions of dollars.
“So our focus is on practical improvements that deliver benefits now,” Minister Bourke said.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island has also previously recommended bus rapid transit as a more achievable solution. A 2021 report suggested a dedicated bus track along the South Eastern Freeway would provide faster delivery and lower cost.
RDA chief executive Steve Shotton said an ideal scenario would involve a separated bus corridor.
John Hill argues the freeway corridor, particularly between Crafers and the city, presents major engineering constraints including tunnels and limited road width.
“All (the Government) is saying is buses, buses, buses – but they haven’t solved the big issue from Crafers onwards,” he told The Courier.
Political Debate Over Rail Vision
The Hills rail debate comes as the Government promotes its northern corridor preservation as the longest in recent history.
Planning amendments will secure land between Dry Creek, Waterloo Corner, Riverlea and Two Wells to allow for a potential future train service. The Government says northern Adelaide is expected to accommodate 250,000 additional people and around 113,000 new dwellings over the next 30 years.
Infrastructure Minister Nick Champion said the corridor would ensure the state does not repeat past mistakes of housing growth without transport planning.
The SA Greens have criticised the announcement, describing it as “all hype, no delivery”.
The party said while corridor preservation may be sensible planning, the announcement included no construction funding, no timeline and no commitment to build.
They also warned against repeating what they described as the “planning disaster” of Mount Barker, where rapid housing growth has not been matched by passenger rail connectivity.
“Our state needs real rail expansion strategy, not just lines drawn on a map,” the party said in a statement.
Departing Independent Member for Kavel, Dan Cregan, has weighed in, saying rail needs to form part of the long-term solution for the Adelaide Hills.
“As we become the second largest city outside of Adelaide, we will need a second transport link to Adelaide,” Cregan said in a statement.
