Passenger rail between Adelaide and Mount Barker appears to be off the agenda indefinitely, with both sides of state politics ruling out the long-discussed link.
Community leaders and groups have been calling for rail to form part of the long-term transport solution in the growing Hills region, including Independent Member for Kavel Dan Cregan, Greens MLC Robert Simms and the SA Transport Action Group.
Transport Minister Emily Bourke says a passenger service to the Adelaide Hills would require construction of a new rail line at a cost of billions of dollars, because the existing ARTC freight corridor is not suitable for fast and efficient commuter services. Liberal MP Ben Hood has also described the proposal as “extraordinarily expensive”, noting Adelaide Railway Station is already operating at capacity.
Mount Barker District Council is now calling on the State Government to outline its long-term mass transit plans for the fast-growing Hills region. Acting mayor Rowan Voogt says urgency is needed in Mount Barker, where rapid population growth continues to place pressure on the South Eastern Freeway and existing park-and-ride facilities.
The council points to a 2024 state budget allocation of $10 million to explore extending Adelaide’s rail network beyond the metropolitan area, including to Mount Barker. It says planning certainty is needed, particularly if land is to be preserved for future stations and park-and-ride sites.
Spanish rail manufacturer Talgo was approved in 2022 to trial high-speed trains between Mount Barker and the CBD, but has confirmed the tests were never carried out. The company specialises in variable gauge and tilt-train technology designed to improve travel times on curved track, but previous parliamentary evidence suggested the winding Hills terrain would limit speeds.
The State Government says it has instead invested $19 million to strengthen public transport services in the Hills, including almost 600 additional weekly bus services, improved park-and-ride infrastructure and a permanent Keoride on-demand service. A further $23 million election commitment would expand bus services between Mount Barker and Murray Bridge and reduce metro fares for commuters.
Work is continuing on a broader study into outer metropolitan and regional passenger rail services around Adelaide, but for now, a dedicated passenger rail link to the Adelaide Hills appears unlikely.
