Trans Continental Railway Service Access Track (SA)

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 03:52

ThreadID: 110561 Views:9617 Replies:6 FollowUps:5

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Member - Laurie K (WA)

I have been doing some research on track access across the Trans Continental line, where a section of the road is restricted. Member Boobook2 has stated in one comment, that there is a parallel road owned by Telstra that CAN be used, and in a later comment ....

12 Sep 2014 Boobook2
This information is not correct The road is open with no restrictions. It is NOT owned by ARTC. It is an exploreoz forum myth that this raod has no access. Great drive.

A google search has produced a permit requirement PDF, which indicates that this actually is not a myth generated by the Exploroz Forum, but an official closure. The PDF can be found on a number of 4WD Club Websites. It states in regard to the Transcontinental Service Track ……….

Transcontinental Railway:
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) has confirmed that the only publicly accessible parts of the access road which runs parallel to the transcontinental rail line are those parts between Kalgoorlie and Haig in Western Australia and between Kingoonya and a point a short distance west of where the recently realigned northern end of Googs Track now exits to the transcontinental rail access road in South Australia. Both of those sections remain gazetted as public roads.
It is thus illegal to travel east of Haig or essentially west of the Googs Track northern exit point utilising the rail access road. It is private property and absolutely no permits are being issued. This situation arose consequent to the corporatisation of Australian National Railways some years ago. Regrettably, there had been far too many instances of travellers breaking down, or needing help, and they were, incredibly, flagging down the trains! Management have simply barred access and will have transgressors dealt with as trespassers. The fine can be quite hefty. You have been warned!
Additionally, ARTC advise that the only places where it is legal to actually cross the rail line are at properly constructed and marked rail crossings.

"Researched and compiled by John Greig – Toyota Land Cruiser Club of Australia – Sydney"

So, my question is, WHAT is the actual situation. Is the Telstra road within the ARTC private land enclosure, and what is the legality of using this alternative road?

cheers
Laurie

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Reply By: The Landy - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 08:01

Reply By: Boobook2 - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 08:44

Reply By: Member - Bruce and Di T (SA) - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 10:42

Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 10:42

We travelled this this year from Glendambo to Watson on our way to Maralinga and the Anne Beadell. There is no longer a sign after exiting Googs Track saying that you can't travel the road; there used to be. We met several ARTC maintenance workers, had chats with them and continued travelling. We were never challenged, in fact we were given heads up about things to look out for.

To Ooldea it is an excellent track, well made and easy to travel. From there to Watson was still easy to travel but not maintained.

Di

AnswerID: 543513

Follow Up By: The Landy - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 13:23

Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 13:23

Hi Di

Seemingly we did a similar trip to Maralinga, and then onto the Anne Beadell Highway, and loved every minute of it!

Can I say that my response is not so much directed to you, but more thinking out aloud, as this is an important question that deserves consideration…

I commend those who have opened up Maralinga as a four-wheel drive destination, it is a great place to visit for those with an interest in this part of Australia’s Atomic Age. Mind you, it won’t be for everyone, but given the proximity and access to the Anne Beadell Highway, it will have an appeal to many in the four-wheel drive touring fraternity.

Increasingly, the question about how to travel there will become more common place as people become familiar with the opportunity to visit Maralinga, and the ARTC route will feature heavily in the discussions. Ultimately, there may end up being a more formal response from the ARTC if there are an increasing number of incursions on the restricted access parts of the ARTC road west of where the Googs Track intersects.

And whilst we were not challenged by anyone whilst driving on the road, I think one needs to be careful viewing that as tacit approval and may be a case of it isn’t a problem, until it is a problem, and then all hell-breaks loose.

Travellers need to understand that by using the restricted access parts of the ARTC road without approval they are exposing themselves to potential legal action for the incursion, and secondly, could be exposed to liability claims that may not be met by their motor vehicle insurer whilst travelling this route if there is an incident.

Ultimately it is for individuals to determine their own viewpoint and position. As I indicated, we travelled it based on advice given, but in hindsight whilst I believe it was well intentioned, it was also imperfect.

If we travel to Maralinga in the future we will do so only on the public access routes.

For clarity, my understanding based on information available is the road from Glendambo to Tarcoola is a public road, and the same for the road west from Tarcoola to Malbooma, noting Malbooma is about the point where the Googs track intersects.

The only other section of the ARTC road that can be travelled on within the restricted access area is where it is designated a public access road 5-kilometres either side of Ooldea. Presumably this is to facilitate access to the local aboriginal community and Maralinga.

And whilst us ExplorOz forumites can debate the existence of two roads, and split hairs around that one, it may be a different scenario and outcome for us in a court with a smart ARTC barrister debating the toss…

Good luck out there, Baz - The Landy

FollowupID: 830466

Follow Up By: Boobook2 - Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 20:21

Tuesday, Dec 30, 2014 at 20:21

Fair enough Baz. However I must say I didn't rely on EO because no one on this forum has any idea. Everyone is guessing and going by old reports. I went to the source to get my answer - ARTC, who told me about the dual roads and the fact that the main, well made road isn't theirs. It's Telstra's from when they put the fiber optic line in. I am guessing that all the info about not being able to travel on that section predates Telstra's optical installation.

That's why the sign prohibiting travel isn't there. I wouldn't mind betting that if you actually did follow the old ARTC service tracks you would find that old sign. So in reality if permission is needed then it should be from Telstra.