Arc has continued its commitment to maintaining the historic Rottnest Island Railway, with our team completing this year’s scope of works in October, including a site visit and thank you lunch.
Nine members from the Central Track team 2 were based on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island for a week as part of our ongoing arrangement with the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) to maintain the popular tourist railway.
In addition to the completion of this year’s maintenance work, new signage has recently been erected at Settlement Station, recognising the efforts of Arc and other organisations towards the upkeep of the railway and an overview of its military significance.
Arc Infrastructure’s General Manager Works Delivery Daniel Ellis said Arc was pleased to continue its association with the Authority and help to maintain such an important piece of military history to our state.
“Our provision of materials, equipment and expert labour force once a year goes a long way to maintaining this historic railway and ensuring generations of visitors can continue to enjoy the Rottnest Island Railway,” Daniel said.
“In 2023 our team’s scope of works covered work on No. 1, 2, 4 and 5 points, resleepering, corrections and ballast renewal.”
Arc Infrastructure’s Planning and Contract Services Lead Lee Ilic, who liaised with RIA on the project, acknowledged the considerable work involved in this Rottnest Island project for Arc.
“There are a number of challenges associated with the works, from the movement of plant equipment to the island on a barge to using the right replacement infrastructure including for tracks, it’s a big project just in the scope of logistics involved,” Lee said.
A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson said Arc Infrastructure’s ongoing support for the annual railway maintenance program helps to ensure the continued availability of the railway to island visitors to provide an essential link between the significant military heritage sites of Kingstown Barracks and Oliver Hill.
“The railway is an asset loved by generations of West Australians – and its continued operation, underpinned by the Rottnest Island Authority and Arc Infrastructure partnership, helps to ensure that Wadjemup/Rottnest Island remains a place of high heritage significance, offering visitors a unique defence heritage experience,” the spokesperson said.
Back To News Stories