General News
11 August, 2023
Asbestos find at rail station
Hindmarsh Shire Council is seeking answers from the state government and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) on Nhill Railway Station after fencing was placed around the building. ARTC has now apologised to the council for its lack of...
Hindmarsh Shire Council is seeking answers from the state government and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) on Nhill Railway Station after fencing was placed around the building.
ARTC has now apologised to the council for its lack of communication and sudden action after discovering potentially hazardous materials and fencing off the station without warning the council or the Nhill public.
Mayor Brett Ireland said council had since been informed that exposed asbestos was the cause for quick action.
A gate and narrow walkway was allowing access to the platform for people boarding the Overland train during its twice-weekly stop.
Cr Ireland said executive management staff would discuss the issue during a scheduled quarterly meeting with the Department of Transport and Planning on Tuesday.
He hoped for more answers after that.
"We were told it was a temporary fence but when holes are drilled in the platform and concrete poured that doesn't sound too temporary," he said.
Nhill Railway Station, located on a Western standard-gauge line, opened in January 1887.
In the 1980s extensive alterations were made to the station and a signal box, interlocking and signals were removed.
The building remains the property of the state government.
Cr Ireland said ARTC leased the station from the government and council would need to work with it on the next steps, as well as longer-term measures.
Nhill resident Helen Woodhouse-Herrick said the appearance of the fence was an issue, as was the suggestion that the building could be condemned and removed.
It was also an issue that the toilets and waiting room were closed off.
"How long is it going to be until ARTC gets their finances together to fix up our beautiful station with renovations?" Ms Woodhouse-Herrick said.
"This concerns all of us who live in small towns."