WA Government Expands Rail Freight Network: Land Corridors Designated

Rail Expansion: Two Orders Designate Land for WA Freight Network

Two orders, issued under sections 34 and 36 of an unspecified Act, signal the Cook Labor Government's commitment to expanding Western Australia's rail freight infrastructure. These designations, made by the Minister for Transport, formally set aside land for future rail corridors.

What happened

The WA Government, under Premier Roger Cook, has issued two orders related to the expansion of the rail freight system. "Rail Freight System (S.34 Corridor Land) Order No. 1/2026" and "Rail Freight System (S.36 Corridor Land) Order No. 2/2026" were both made by the Minister for Transport. These orders, published in the WA Government Gazette, designate specific land corridors for the purpose of future rail freight development, invoking powers under sections 34 and 36 of an unspecified Act.

What this means for you

If you own land within the designated corridors, this decision could affect your property rights and future development plans. While the gazette notices do not specify the exact locations, affected landowners will likely face restrictions on building or altering their properties. This could also impact property values. If you are planning to purchase land in areas potentially affected by future rail development, it is crucial to investigate whether the land falls within these designated corridors via Landgate records and relevant council planning schemes. Understanding the restrictions imposed by these orders is essential for informed decision-making.

What this means for WA

This move signals the Cook Labor Government's continued focus on infrastructure development, particularly in the transport sector. Designating land corridors early in the planning process allows the government to secure routes for future rail lines, potentially reducing costs and minimizing disruptions later on. This decision also reflects a long-term vision for efficient freight movement across the state, aiming to support economic growth and reduce reliance on road transport. The designation of these corridors could also influence future planning decisions by local councils and other government agencies, potentially shaping the development landscape of affected regions.

The numbers

• Two separate orders, "Rail Freight System (S.34 Corridor Land) Order No. 1/2026" and "Rail Freight System (S.36 Corridor Land) Order No. 2/2026," were issued. This suggests a potentially large scale of land being designated.
• Both orders were "Made Under Section 34 By The Minister For Transport" and "Made Under Section 36 By The Minister For Transport," indicating the Minister's direct involvement and authority in these decisions.
• The orders are published in the WA Government Gazette, making them official public record and subject to scrutiny. This transparency allows affected parties to be informed of the changes.
• The 42nd Parliament of Western Australia, with a Cook Labor Government majority, is overseeing this expansion, indicating strong political support for the initiative.

Find your own data

This is just one of thousands of gazette entries GovScanner tracks each year. Search by keyword, industry, location, or minister on the free dashboard — or connect the API directly to your own tools and let AI do the watching for you.