Multi-million dollar study to research feasibility of Greenbushes to Bunbury railway line recommission

The Greenbushes to Bunbury Railway Line could soon be back in action after the State Government and Talison Lithium announced more than $6 million would be spent on an investigation to recommission the route. The State Government revealed it would be investing $3.3 million in the study, through the South West Development Commission, a figure which is to be matched by the prominent lithium mine. Talison Lithium will lead the study, which is to build on investigations undertaken in 2020 exploring the feasibility of the track. Talison has also spent the past 12 months working with relevant stakeholders investigating prospective models for the line. Regional Development Minister Don Punch said the study aimed to prioritise the long-term success of lithium projects in the region. “This new study recognises the significant production increases and bright future for lithium projects in the South West, as well as the potential to reduce the use of the region’s roads by heavy trucking,” he said. “A recommissioned Bunbury-Greenbushes rail link would also provide the impetus for greater use of the broader rail freight network linking the region with Perth.” The 82km track was closed in 2000, however the Cook Government has deemed it now “appropriate” to commence further study into its recommissioning following a rising global demand for lithium, with production out of the Greenbushes site expected to increase to more than two million tonnes in the coming years. Currently, the material is moved via truck, with operations equating to about 135 daily truck movements on South Western Highway between Bunbury and Greenbushes. The revival of the train line would see about 200 daily truck movements removed from regional roads. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said while the recommissioning of the line would be significant for regional roads, it was important to understand all factors involved with the proposed project. “In the next five years, we’re expecting the number of truck movements to and from the Greenbushes lithium operation to increase to around 200 every day, which will further increase congestion on the road network. “Whilst there are significant positives such as reducing congestion, cutting emissions and improving road safety, we need to understand in detail what would be required to recommission the train line and the associated costs.”