A team of Arc employees spent last week on sunny Rottnest Island completing re-timbering of two turnouts on the railway, helping to preserve this significant piece of West Australian military history.
Arc Infrastructure has been working with the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) and the Rottnest Island Rail Advisory Committee (RIRAC) over the past year, undertaking improvements that will ensure the railway can be enjoyed by both current and future generations.
The works took place in October 2020 and involved replacing life expired timber bearers, regauging, tamping and ballasting of turnouts on the Rottnest Railway.
The team was led by Arc's Regional Lead (Central) Clinton Lobb, who praised the team's efforts.
“Rottnest Island really is the jewel in the crown of Western Australia, and it’s a privilege to be part of preserving this great asset,” he said.
Trains are a significant part of Rottnest's history. The 6.5km rail line from Kingstown Barracks to the Oliver Hill gun site was built in 1935 to service the two 9.2 inch artillery guns on the island and transport supplies and munitions from the army jetty at Kingstown. The guns were needed as part of military infrastructure to protect the port of Fremantle during World War II.
The Oliver Hill railway has become a very successful tourism venture for Rottnest.
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