Railway Network RailCorp
Hurstville Railway Station is a major station on the Illawarra line of the rail network.
RailCorp's Acting Executive Officer Bob Mason explained why documents relating to the safety of the rail network around Hurstville Railway Station and the structure of Hurstville Super Centre have not been released.
Public anger is a typical reaction to any Government Department's attempt to cover up mistakes, conceal evidence or risks or make misleading statements.
RailCorp has received vast criticism from the NSW Ombudsman for refusing to release documents relating to the risk of Hurstville Super Centre collapsing on to rail lines.
Mr Mason said that RailCorp have provided a large volume of material relating to these structures. However, in the interests of protecting the security of the structures, some of the details in these documents were not released.
Following the criticism from the New South Wales Ombudsman, RailCorp have maintained its position that releasing these documents would compromise the security of the structures. This decision was based on the fact that the remaining documents contained detailed information about the structures that if made public would post a security risk.
The Sydney Morning Herald has been trying to have the documents released under the Freedom of Information Act. RailCorp receives many Freedom of Information requests. Being a government aligned organisation and a contentious portfolio there is always an interest in our operations. Also the fact that a lot of what we do is highly specialised we tend to get some very specific requests that cannot be addressed with a simple answer or by a member of the media team.
With every Freedom of Information request received the matter is sent to the suitable area/s involved and subject matter experts formulate a response and it is up to the Freedom of Information department to determine if the request has followed due process and is appropriate for release.
The media team and the Freedom of Information department operate very closely together for two reasons:
- More often than not Freedom of Information requests re made by journalists or members of the Opposition, and
- The information issued can sometimes be highly sensitive/contentious and could Get a decent run in the media.
RailCorp has taken steps to mitigate identified risks but will not release the documents as they meet exemption under the law. Disclosure could cause loss of confidence and loss of revenue and could also be used by terrorists.
RailCorp has engaged experts in engineering and risk management and has taken action including structural measures which are designed to contain a derailment. Regular maintenance checks are in to ensure this structure is at an acceptable safety level.
If this issue does gain momentum RailCorp has the documents in reserve for any future queries on the matter.
FACT SHEET:
- RailCorp has an obligation to be a successful business and to operate efficiently.
- RailCorp undertakes routine benchmarking to make sure they have continuous improvement programmes.
- RailCorp has clear objectives to deliver safe, clean and reliable railway passenger services to the people of NSW.
- By world standards RailCorp has a very large network with relatively low patronage.
- Track renewals surpass any international railway.
- RailCorp is undertaking to upgrade passenger facilities including stations, buildings and depots.
- RailCorp has provided upgrades to platforms refurbishment of booking offices and building.
- RailCorp has provided commuter car parks.
- RailCorp has installed lifts and/or a system of ramps with canopies to upgrade facilities for disabled customers.
- RailCorp has a very good record regarding transparency and releasing documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
- Both Hurstville and Kogarah Council have welcomed the redevelopment of the Hurstville SuperCentre.
- The Hurstville Super Centre is one of the major gateways to Hurstville's city centre.
- The Hurstville Super Centre has provided 905 square metres of retail space plus car parking facilities.
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