[Greens-Media] New troubled Waratah test trains slow to arrive

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - Media Release - 3 May 2010

New troubled Waratah test trains slow to arrive

Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the Minister for Transport David Campbell should explain to the public why the new Waratah prototype carriages that are soon to be tested on the Sydney rail network are a year overdue, with the $9.5 billion public private partnership originally promising delivery by mid 2009. 

"The birth of these carriages has been long and difficult and the Minister for Transport David Campbell should explain why these carriages are a year behind schedule," Ms Rhiannon said.

"This $9.5 billion Reliance Rail project, the largest public private partnership in Australia's history, has been beset by problems from the start, with delays in meeting key milestones and attracting a poor credit rating.

"Industry insiders have reported to the Greens that there is concern that the new trains will use considerably more electricity than even the energy thirsty Millenium trains whose electricity demands caused problems.

"The Reliance Rail Consortium built the problem bound Millennium trains, dubbed the 'Mi-lemon'. The consortium comprises Downer EDI, ABN Amro, Babcock and Brown and AMP Capital, all of whom are donors to NSW Labor.

"Reliance Rail contracted Changchun Railway Vehicle Company (CRC) in China to supply the partially-built train car bodies to an Australian design. 

"At the time the union movement was concerned that there was only a 20 percent requirement for local content. 

"The Minister for Transport predicts 800 jobs will be created in Sydney and the Hunter. It would be interesting to note how many more would have been generated if the project was managed in NSW.

"In August 2007 Downer EDI experienced a significant profit downgrade. 

"At the time market observers expressed concern about the company's ability to deliver the project on time and on budget. The NSW Auditor General in his 2008 audit of Railcorp noted the project was already running late.

"Minister Campbell should to be upfront with the public about the ins and outs of this troubled project. Sydney needs new trains now which are up for the job," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t all days save Wed)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au