South Australia act

Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997

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South Australia

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act

Plain English Summary

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This Act implements a Commonwealth–State agreement that transfers non‑metropolitan railway land and much railway infrastructure to the State of South Australia, vests that land in the State Minister, and authorises long‑term leases (50 years) to freight and passenger operators. The Commonwealth funds remediation and some track standardisation; the State must register and lease land, grant limited tax/rate exemptions, and issue ministerial certificates that courts accept as conclusive. The measure changes who owns and manages the rail estate, who pays for cleanup and upgrades, and creates enforceable lease and indemnity rules.

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What it does

The Non‑Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997 implements and gives statutory force in South Australia to the Commonwealth-State Railways Agreement set out in the Schedule. The Act authorises the State Minister to execute that Agreement on the State's behalf, declares the Agreement binding on the State, and obliges State instrumentalities to take necessary steps to give effect to it, see s 4(1)-(3). The Act also authorises and validates two long leases the Agreement contemplates, the Ground Lease and the Passenger Terminal Site Lease, makes those leases binding on the State when executed, and requires parliamentary tabling of executed leases within six sitting days, see s 5(1)-(4).

Mechanically, the Act vests the Commonwealth rail land to be transferred (the SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land) in the Minister for an estate in fee simple, while preserving third party interests, see s 6(1)-(2). It requires the Registrar‑General to register the Minister as proprietor or bring the land under the Real Property Act 1886, s 6(3)-(4), and excludes application of the Crown Lands Act 1929 to the vested land, s 6(5). The Act accepts Ministerial certificates as evidence in State courts and administrative processes identifying property affected by the Agreement, s 7(1)-(2).

The Act gives statutory effect to the Agreement’s approach to Track Infrastructure, treating items transferred under the Agreement as severed from the land and held as personal property, s 8; the Schedule, Railways Agreement, clause 6.1 and schedule 4 define and operationalise that severance. The Act grants a five year exemption from land tax and municipal rates for land transferred and used for railway operation, s 9, and a six month exemption to the Passenger Terminal Site lessee from liquor licensing for sales incidental to passenger services, s 11.

Current sections

Direct links to the current provisions in Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997.

Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997

South Australia Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997 An Act to provide for the implementation of a Commonwealth-State agreement relating to the privatisation of non-metropolitan railways; and for other purposes.

Contents 1 Short title 3 Interpretation 4 Railways Agreement 5 The Ground Lease and Passenger Facilities Lease 6 Vesting of land 7 Ministerial certificates 8 Severance 9 Exemption from rates and taxes 10 Interaction between this and other Acts 11 Liquor licensing exemption 11A Building and development work regarded as complying 11B Referral of power to the Commonwealth Schedule Legislative history

The Parliament of South Australia enacts as follows: 1—Short title This Act may be cited as the Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997. 3—Interpretation (1) In this Act— Railways Agreement means the agreement set out in the Schedule to this Act. (2) A word or expression used in this Act that is defined in the Railways Agreement has the same meaning in this Act as in the Railways Agreement unless the contrary intention appears. 4—Railways Agreement (1) The Minister's execution of the Railways Agreement on behalf of the State is authorised and ratified. (2) The Railways Agreement is binding on the State. (3) The Minister and other instrumentalities and agencies of the State are authorised and required to do anything necessary to give effect to the Railways Agreement. 5—The Ground Lease and Passenger Facilities Lease (1) The Minister is authorised to approve and enter into the Ground Lease and the Passenger Terminal Site Lease on behalf of the State. (2) The Ground Lease and the Passenger Terminal Site Lease are, when executed on behalf of the State, binding on the State. (3) The Minister must, within six sitting days after executing the Ground Lease or the Passenger Terminal Site Lease, have copies of the lease laid before Houses of Parliament. (4) The Minister and other instrumentalities and agencies of the State are authorised and required to do anything necessary to give effect to the Ground Lease and the Passenger Terminal Site Lease. (5) The Minister must not give consent on behalf of the State to the removal of Track Infrastructure in accordance with the terms of clause 9.1(f) or 9.2(e) of the Railways Agreement unless the Minister is satisfied that the Track Infrastructure is no longer required for the safe, efficient and effective use of the relevant railway line. (6) The Minister must, as soon as practicable after giving a consent in the circumstances described in subsection (5), prepare a report on the matter and have copies of the report laid before both Houses of Parliament. 6—Vesting of land (1) The SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land, when transferred to the State under the Railways Agreement, vests in the Minister for an estate of fee simple. (2) However, this section does not operate to extinguish the interests of a third party in the land. (3) The Registrar-General must, on application by the Minister— (a) if land vested in the Minister under this Act has been brought under the Real Property Act 1886—register the Minister as the proprietor of an estate in fee simple in the land; or (b) if land vested in the Minister under this Act has not been brought under the Real Property Act 1886—bring the land under the provisions of that Act and register the Minister as the proprietor of an estate in fee simple in the land. (4) The Minister must provide the Registrar-General with surveys and plans of land that is to be brought under the Real Property Act 1886 that the Registrar-General may reasonably require. (5) The Crown Lands Act 1929 does not apply in relation to land vested in the Minister under this Act. 7—Ministerial certificates (1) A Ministerial certificate will be accepted by all courts and administrative officials of the State as evidence of the matters to which the certificate relates. (2) A Ministerial certificate is a certificate signed by the Commonwealth Minister or the State Minister, or a delegate of the Commonwealth Minister or the State Minister— (a) identifying real or personal property affected by the Railways Agreement; and (b) stating how the property is affected by the Railways Agreement or any transaction under that Agreement. 8—Severance Any item of Track Infrastructure transferred under the Railways Agreement is taken to be severed from the land to which it is affixed so that it may be dealt with as personal property separate from the land. 9—Exemption from rates and taxes For a period of 5 years from the effective date of the Railways Agreement, land transferred under the Railways Agreement and used for the operation of a railway is exempt from— (a) land tax under the Land Tax Act 1936; and (b) rates and other imposts under the Local Government Act 1934. 10—Interaction between this and other Acts (1) This Act (and the Railways Agreement) prevail to the extent of any inconsistency over the Railways (Transfer Agreement) Act 1975 and the Agreement approved under that Act. (2) This Act (and the Railways Agreement) prevail to the extent of any inconsistency over the Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Agreement Act 1974 and the Agreement approved under that Act. 11—Liquor licensing exemption For 6 months after the grant of the Passenger Terminal Site Lease, the lessee may sell and supply liquor for purposes incidental to the provision of a passenger service without any licence or authorisation apart from this section. 11A—Building and development work regarded as complying All building and development work carried out on land transferred from the Commonwealth to the State pursuant to the Railways Agreement by or on behalf of Australian National Railways Commission, the Crown in right of the Commonwealth of Australia or the Crown in right of the State of South Australia before the commencement of this Act will be regarded as complying with the statutory and regulatory requirements applicable at the time the work was carried out. 11B—Referral of power to the Commonwealth (1) For the purposes of section 51 xxxvii of the Australian Constitution, the matter of the Commonwealth acquiring, holding, disposing of or dealing with shares in National Rail Corporation Limited when the Company engages in intra-State rail services in the State is referred to the Parliament of the Commonwealth. (2) However, the referral under subsection (1) ceases to have effect if the Memorandum of Association of National Rail Corporation Limited (contained in Schedule 1 of the Agreement set out in the schedule to the National Rail Corporation Agreement Act 1992 (Cwlth)) is amended so as to remove the requirement that the State must give its prior approval in writing to the company to carry on intra-State rail services in the State, or so as to remove the requirement that the prior approval of the State is required to amend or delete clause 3 or 4 of that Memorandum of Association. Schedule THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA -and- THE STATE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RAILWAYS AGREEMENT IN RELATION TO THE NON-METROPOLITAN RAILWAYS OF THE STATE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA RAILWAYS AGREEMENT CONTENTS

Clause

1 INTERPRETATION

1.1 Definitions

1.2 General

1.3 Successor to Australian National

1.4 Ministerial Delegates

1.5 Headings 2 ENABLING LEGISLATION

2.1 Commonwealth Legislation

2.2 State Legislation 3 CONDITIONS

3.1 Conditions Precedent

3.2 Effect of Non-Fulfilment

3.3 Fulfilment by Waiver

3.4 Obligation to Satisfy Conditions

3.5 Extent of Obligation to Fulfil Conditions

3.6 Effective Date 4 RAIL TRANSFER AGREEMENT

4.1 Waiver of Rights as from Effective Date

4.2 Preservation of Other Rights

4.3 Waiver of Reversionary Rights to AN House

4.4 Cessation of Services by the Commonwealth

4.5 Variation of Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Agreement 5 TRANSFER OF RAILWAYS LAND

5.1 Agreement to Transfer

5.2 Satisfaction by Statutory Vesting

5.3 Extent of Interest in Railways Land

5.4 Certificates as to Railways Land

5.5 Subdivisions

5.6 Transfer of Subdivided Land 6 TRACK INFRASTRUCTURE

6.1 Severance

6.2 Interstate Mainline Track and Other Land

6.3 Track Infrastructure on Leigh Creek Line

6.4 Track Infrastructure on South Eastern Lines 7 REMEDIATION PROGRAM

7.1 Remediation by the Commonwealth

7.2 No Admission of Liability

7.3 Cessation of Commonwealth Liability

7.4 Completion of Remediation

7.5 Disputes 8 INDEMNITIES

8.1 Liabilities Associated with Land Ownership

8.2 Commonwealth Indemnity

8.3 State Indemnity

8.4 Reduction of Liability

8.5 Employee Liabilities 9 LEASES

9.1 Ground Lease

9.2 Passenger Terminal Site Lease 10 PINNAROO LINE

10.1 Commonwealth to Undertake Standardisation

10.2 State Contribution 11 AMENDMENT

11.1 Power to Amend

11.2 Amendments to be Tabled in Parliaments

11.3 Effective Date of Amendments 12 GENERAL

12.1 Notices

12.2 Governing law

12.3 Waiver

12.4 Severability

12.5 Counterparts

12.6 Further assurance

12.7 Disputes SCHEDULE 1

Address for Notices SCHEDULE 2

Excluded Land SCHEDULE 3

Interstate Mainline Track SCHEDULE 4

Track Infrastructure SCHEDULE 5

Leigh Creek Line AGREEMENT made 30 June 1997 BETWEEN: (1) THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA; and (2) THE STATE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. RECITALS: A. Australian National and its predecessor in law the commonwealth Railways Commissioner has with the consent of the State acquired land in the State for the purpose of the construction and extension of railways in the State. B. Pursuant to the Rail Transfer Agreement the right title and interest of the South Australian Railways Commissioner in all land in the State used for the non-metropolitan railways and services was with the consent of the State acquired by, and pursuant to the Railways Transfer Legislation vested in, Australian National. C. Since the declared date under the Rail Transfer Agreement, Australian National has administered, maintained and operated the non-metropolitan railways and services in the State. D. The Commonwealth proposes on the Effective Date: (a) to vest in the State the Commonwealth Railways Land and the SAR Land (other than the Excluded Land); (b) to vest in SAGC the Track Infrastructure on the Leigh Creek Line; (c) to vest in the Freight Operator certain assets of Australian National used in connection with the non-metropolitan railways and services (other than land); and (d) to vest in the Passenger Operator those assets of Australian National (other than land) used in connection with the Passenger Services, and to complete the sale by public tender of the shares in the Freight Operator and the shares in the Passenger Operator. E. The Commonwealth and the State have agreed to enter into this agreement for the purpose of: (a) varying the Rail Transfer Agreement; (b) providing for the transfer to the State of the SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land (other than the Excluded Land); (c) providing for the long term lease by the State to the Freight Operator of the Operational Railways Land and to the Passenger Operator of the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land, and for necessary and incidental matters. IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS: INTERPRETATION 1.1 Definitions In this agreement unless the context otherwise requires: "Adelaide to Crystal Brook Railway Agreement" means the agreement dated 11 August 1980 approved by the Railway Agreement (Adelaide to Crystal Brook) Act 1980 (Commonwealth) and the Railway Agreement (Adelaide to Crystal Brook) Act 1980 (South Australia); "Australian National" means Australian National Railways Commission a statutory corporation established under the Australian National Railways Act 1917 and continued in existence pursuant to the Australian National Railways Commission Act 1983; "Bulk Handling Facilities" has the meaning given to that expression in section 18a(4) of the Bulk Handling of Grain Act 1955 (South Australia) (each a "Bulk Handling Facility"); "Business Day" means a day other than a weekend or public holiday in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide; "Commonwealth" means the Commonwealth of Australia as a party to this agreement; "Commonwealth Minister" means the Minister of the Commonwealth for the time being having responsibility for administration of this agreement; "Commonwealth Railways Land" means the estate or interest of Australian National on the Effective Date in the land referred to in recital A (other than Excluded Land); "Condition Satisfaction Date" means the date which is six months after the date of this agreement (or such later date as the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister or their respective delegates agree in writing); "Contamination" means affectations or degradation of land by the presence of any chemical substance (including without limitation any dangerous good, hazardous material, asbestos or any waste) where, having regard to the use of the land or of any other land in its vicinity, the chemical substance creates or may create a risk of harm to any person or to the environment; "Effective Date" means the date on which the Sale Agreement is completed (or such other date as the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister or their respective delegates may agree in writing); "Excluded Land" means: (a) the land described in the schedule 2; (b) any land in respect of which Australian National has entered into a contract for sale as at the date of this agreement; and (c) any other land certified by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister to be Excluded Land for the purposes of this agreement; "Freight Operator" means the person nominated as the Freight Operator for the purposes of this agreement by notice in writing from the Commonwealth Minister to the State Minister given at any time prior to the Effective Date; "Ground Lease" means a lease by the State to the Freight Operator of the Operational Railways Land containing (subject to clause 9.1) such terms and conditions as the Commonwealth and the State may agree; "Interstate Mainline Track" means the right title and interest of Australian National in, and its access transit or running rights over, the rail corridors carrying the interstate standard gauge railway line within the State comprising: (a) the land granted, reserved or acquired for the construction of a railway or for railway purposes on each of the line sections specified in respect of that line section in column 1 of schedule 3 as authorised by and delineated in or pursuant to the instruments specified in column 2 of schedule 3 (or in any other relevant instrument modifying or varying such corridor); and (b) the Track Infrastructure on or over the land referred to in (a) above; but excluding any part of that land which is referred to in clause 5.5(b) upon its transfer to the State; "Keswick Passenger Terminal Land" means that part of the SAR Land which is used on the Effective Date in connection with the Passenger Services (being the land leased to the Passenger Operator pursuant to and more particularly described in the Passenger Terminal Site Lease); "land" includes: (a) a legal or equitable estate in land; and (b) a right, power or privilege over, or in connection with, land but does not include Track Infrastructure severed from land as contemplated by clause 6.1; "Leigh Creek Line" means the right title and interest of Australian National in all land granted, reserved or acquired for the construction of the railway on the rail corridors specified in schedule 5 (or in any other relevant instrument modifying or varying such corridor) excluding any part of those corridors which constitutes Interstate Mainline Track; "Loss or Claim" means, in relation to any person, a damage, loss, cost, expense or liability incurred by the person or a claim, demand, action, proceeding or judgment made against the person, however arising and whether present or future, fixed or unascertained, actual or contingent; "Operational Railways Land" means that part of the SAR Land and Commonwealth Railways Land (other than the Leigh Creek Line) which is used on, or intended by the Freight Operator to be used after, the Effective Date in connection with the Railway Services (being the land to be leased to the Freight Operator pursuant to the Ground Lease); "Passenger Terminal Site Lease" means a lease by the State to the Passenger Operator of the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land containing (subject to clause 9.2) such terms and conditions as the Commonwealth and the State may agree; "Passenger Operator" means the person nominated as the Passenger Operator for the purposes of this agreement by notice in writing from the Commonwealth Minister to the State Minister given at any time prior to the Effective Date; "Passenger Services" means the passenger rail services known as the Indian Pacific, The Ghan and The Overland as operated by Australian National on the Effective Date; "Property Identification Folder" means the folder initialled by the parties for the purposes of identification and marked "A" containing copies of plans of the Excluded Land or parts thereof; "Railway Services" means services provided in association with the Operational Railways Land including the handling, storage and carriage of freight by rail (and incidentally by road), the storage, servicing and maintenance of rolling stock, the maintenance and replacement of Track Infrastructure and the maintenance and operation of signalling and communication equipment (but excluding the Passenger Services); "Rail Transfer Agreement" means the agreement dated 21 May 1975 a copy of which is set out in the schedule to the Railways Transfer Legislation; "Railways Transfer Legislation" means the Railways Agreement (South Australia) Act 1975 (Commonwealth) and the Railways (Transfer Agreement) Act 1975 (South Australia); "Remediation Program" means the program for the remediation of certain parcels of land to be transferred to the State under clause 5.1 identified as such by agreement in writing signed by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister or their respective delegates; "SACBH" means South Australian Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited (ACN 007 556 256) a company limited by guarantee; "SAGC" means SA Generation Corporation (trading as Optima Energy) a statutory authority established pursuant to the Electricity Corporations Act 1996 (SA); "Sale Agreement" means an agreement for the sale by the Commonwealth of its shares in the Freight Operator and the Passenger Operator (or if more than one, each such agreement); "SAR Land" means the estate or interest of Australian National on the Effective Date in the land referred to in recital B (other than Excluded Land); "South Eastern Lines" means the rail corridors carrying the broad gauge lines (including yards, sidings, crossing loops and goods loops) from Wolseley to Mount Gambier, Millicent to Mount Gambier and Mount Gambier to the Victorian border; "the State" means the Crown in right of the State of South Australia as a party to this agreement; "State Minister" means the Minister of the State for the time being having responsibility for administration of the Rail Safety Act 1996; "Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Agreement" means the agreement dated 10 April 1974 approved by the Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Act 1974 (Commonwealth) and the Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Act 1974 (South Australia); "Track Infrastructure" has the meaning given in schedule 4. 1.2 General In this agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) a reference to any law or legislation or legislative provision includes any statutory modification or re-enactment of, or legislative provision substituted for, and any subordinate legislation issued under, that legislation or legislative provision; (b) a reference to a recital, clause or schedule is to a recital, clause or schedule in this agreement; (c) a reference to a person includes a corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, authority, trust, state or government; (d) the singular includes the plural and vice versa; (e) a reference to any agreement or document is to that agreement or document (and, where applicable, any of its provisions) as amended, novated, supplemented or replaced from time to time; and (f) a reference to "amendment" includes addition, alteration, deletion, extension, modification and variation; 1.3 Successor to Australian National Subject to any law or regulation to the contrary, if Australian National is dissolved or otherwise ceases to exist, the rights and obligations of Australian National under this agreement will upon such dissolution become the rights and obligations of the Commonwealth, and all references to Australian National are to be read and construed as references to the Commonwealth. 1.4 Ministerial Delegates Any act, notice, instrument or agreement required or permitted to be performed, given or signed by the Commonwealth Minister or the State Minister may be performed, given or signed on their behalf by their respective delegates duly authorised in writing either generally or specifically to do so. 1.5 Headings In this agreement, headings are for convenience of reference only and do not affect interpretation. ENABLING LEGISLATION 2.1 Commonwealth Legislation The Commonwealth will take all practical steps to seek the enactment of legislation: (a) authorising the Commonwealth Minister to approve and enter into this agreement on behalf of the Commonwealth; (b) authorising the performance and observance of this agreement by the Commonwealth; (c) making such provision as is necessary or appropriate for the implementation by the Commonwealth of this agreement and the transactions contemplated by this agreement including provisions facilitating: (i) the termination or variation of the Rail Transfer Agreement; (ii) the vesting in the State the SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land; (iii) the vesting in SAGC the Track Infrastructure on the Leigh Creek Line; and (iv) the issuing of certificates by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister or their respective delegates identifying the SAR Land or the Commonwealth Railways Land (or any part thereof). 2.2 State Legislation The State will take all practical steps to seek the enactment of legislation: (a) authorising the State Minister to approve and enter into this agreement on behalf of the State; (b) authorising the performance and observance of this agreement by the State; (c) authorising the State Minister to approve and enter into the Ground Lease and the Passenger Lease on behalf of the State; (d) authorising the performance and observance by the State of the Ground Lease and the Passenger Lease; (e) giving effect for the purposes of the laws of the State (including without limitation the Real Property Act 1886 and the Crown Lands Act 1929) to the transfer to the State of the legal estate in fee simple in the SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land; (f) authorising the registration of the Ground Lease and the Passenger Lease under the provisions of the Real Property Act 1886; (g) providing for such exemptions as may be appropriate for the owner or occupier for the time being of the Operational Railways Land from the laws of the State in relation to: (i) fencing; (ii) State taxes and charges; and (iii) municipal rates, taxes and charges; (h) providing for such exemptions as may be appropriate from the laws of the State in relation to the sale of liquor and the conduct of gaming activities on the Passenger Services; (i) making such provision as is necessary or appropriate for the implementation by the State of this agreement and the facilitation of the operation of the Railway Services and the Passenger Services including: (i) varying the Rail Transfer Agreement; (ii) issuing of certificates by the Commonwealth Minister or the State Minister or their respective delegates as to the identification of the SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land (or any part thereof) for the purposes of the Real Property Act 1886 or otherwise; (iii) facilitating the severance and separate ownership of the Track Infrastructure from the SAR Land and the Commonwealth Railways Land (including the Leigh Creek Line). CONDITIONS 3.1 Conditions Precedent The obligations of the parties under this agreement (other than under clauses 2.1 and 2.2) do not become binding and no party is under an obligation to any other party unless: (a) the legislation referred to in clauses 2.1 and 2.2 comes into operation; and (b) the conditions precedent specified in the Sale Agreement are satisfied or waived, before the Condition Satisfaction Date. 3.2 Effect of Non-Fulfilment If the conditions referred to in clause 3.1 are not fulfilled (or waived under clause 3.3) on or before the Condition Satisfaction Date, then this agreement is at an end as to its future operation except for the enforcement of any right or claim which arises on or has arisen before this agreement comes to an end. 3.3 Fulfilment by Waiver A condition referred to in clause 3.1 is waived if, and only if, the parties agree in writing to waive the condition. 3.4 Obligation to Satisfy Conditions The parties must do anything needed on their part to ensure that the conditions referred to in clause 3.1 are fulfilled on or before the Condition Satisfaction Date. No party is under any express or implied obligation to procure fulfilment of any condition referred to in clause 3.1, and is not liable to any other party for any Loss or Claim whatever arising out of, or in connection with, or relating to the non-fulfilment of any condition. 3.5 Extent of Obligation to Fulfil Conditions The obligation imposed on the parties by clause 3.4 does not require a party to waive any condition under clause 3.3. 3.6 Effective Date Subject to satisfaction or waiver of the conditions referred to in clause 3.1, this agreement takes effect on the Effective Date. RAIL TRANSFER AGREEMENT 4.1 Waiver of Rights as from Effective Date Subject to clause 4.2, the State unconditionally waives and forever relinquishes its rights under the Rail Transfer Agreement and the Adelaide to Crystal Brook Railway Agreement as from the Effective Date to the extent necessary: (a) to permit the Freight Operator to operate the Railway Services; (b) to permit the Passenger Operator to operate the Passenger Services; and (c) to facilitate the transfer to or vesting in the Freight Operator, the Passenger Operator and SAGC of the Track Infrastructure, freed and discharged from any obligation to consult with or obtain the consent or approval of the State in relation to any matter which prior to the Effective Date required the consent or approval of, or conferred any rights on, the State. 4.2 Preservation of Other Rights Nothing in clause 4.1 operates to relinquish or vary the rights of the State: (a) under clause 11(8) of the Rail Transfer Agreement and under clause 25(2) of the Adelaide to Crystal Brook Railway Agreement in respect of that portion of the Interstate Mainline Track which comprises SAR Land; (b) under clause 11(8) of the Rail Transfer Agreement in respect of the Islington Freight Terminal (being the land described in item 2 of schedule 2); and (c) under any other provision of the Rail Transfer Agreement or the Adelaide to Crystal Brook Railway Agreement other than those expressly waived or relinquished under clause 4.1. 4.3 Waiver of Reversionary Rights to AN House The State agrees that it will on the Effective Date without any further instrument and by force of this clause unconditionally waive its rights under clause 11(8) of the Rail Transfer Agreement in respect of that part the Excluded Land referred to in item 7 of schedule 2; 4.4 Cessation of Services by the Commonwealth The State consents to the cessation by the Commonwealth and Australian National of Railway Services in the State on and from the Effective Date and releases Commonwealth and Australian National from all obligations howsoever arising to administer, maintain and operate or otherwise work the railways of the State (other than the Interstate Mainline Track). 4.5 Variation of Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Agreement The Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Agreement is varied as from the Effective Date by deleting clause 5 of that agreement. TRANSFER OF RAILWAYS LAND 5.1 Agreement to Transfer The Commonwealth agrees that it will transfer or will procure the transfer to the State on the Effective Date of: (a) the SAR Land (other than any Excluded Land) (b) the Commonwealth Railways Land (other than any Excluded Land). 5.2 Satisfaction by Statutory Vesting The obligation of the Commonwealth under clause 5.1 may be satisfied by the vesting of those assets in the State by Ministerial declaration pursuant to the Commonwealth legislation referred to in clause 2.1. 5.3 Extent of Interest in Railways Land The land referred to in clause 5.1 is to be transferred to the State without reservation of minerals and unlimited as to depth. 5.4 Certificates as to Railways Land A certificate signed by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister or their respective delegates identifying: (a) the land referred to in clause 5.1 or any part thereof; (c) the land referred to in clause 5.5(b) or any part thereof; or (b) the Excluded Land or any part thereof; or shall be conclusive evidence for any purpose as to whether a parcel of land specified in the certificate forms part of the SAR Land, the Commonwealth Railways Land or the Excluded Land (as the case may be). 5.5 Subdivisions If: (a) any Excluded Land is included in the title to a parcel of land to be transferred to the State under clause 5.1; or (b) the parties agree after the date of this agreement that any land forming part of the Interstate Mainline Track is surplus to that reasonably required or likely to be required for the purposes of providing a corridor and associated access, storage and communications facilities for interstate rail transport, the Commonwealth will arrange at its cost for a subdivision of the relevant land to be carried out. The State will render and will procure that its authorities render all such assistance as may be reasonably necessary to facilitate that subdivision. 5.6 Transfer of Subdivided Land Upon completion of the subdivision and issue of titles, an instrument of transfer in registrable form will be signed and delivered to the State in respect of the land referred to in clause 5.5 which is to be transferred to the State. Property and (subject to clause 8) risk in that land shall pass to the State: (a) in the case of land referred to in clause 5.5(a), upon vesting under clause 5.2 notwithstanding that separate titles have not been issued; and (b) in the case of land referred to in clause 5.5(b), upon the date of transfer. TRACK INFRASTRUCTURE 6.1 Severance It is the intention of the commonwealth and the State that to the extent that any item of Track Infrastructure is affixed to the Operational Railways Land, the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land or the Leigh Creek Line then that item shall first be deemed to be severed from the land to which it is affixed and may be transferred to or vested by the Commonwealth in the Freight Operator, the Passenger Operator or SAGC respectively as personal property capable of separate ownership from the land. 6.2 Interstate Mainline Track and Other Land For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this agreement shall constitute a severance or any agreement to sever the Track Infrastructure from the Interstate Mainline Track or from any land other than the Operational Railways Land, the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land or the Leigh Creek Line. 6.3 Track Infrastructure on Leigh Creek Line The Commonwealth agrees that it will transfer or will procure the transfer to SAGC on the Effective Date of the Track Infrastructure on, over or under the Leigh Creek Line. The obligation of the Commonwealth under this clause may be satisfied by the vesting of that Track Infrastructure by ministerial declaration pursuant to the Commonwealth legislation referred to in clause 2.1. 6.4 Track Infrastructure on South Eastern Lines If the South Eastern Lines do not form part of the Operational Railway Land: (a) the State may for a period of 3 months after the Effective Date endeavour to procure an offer for the purchase from the Commonwealth of all or any part of the South Eastern Lines; and (b) the Commonwealth shall be at liberty (for a period commencing 3 months and ending 12 months after the Effective Date) to remove or authorise the removal of any item of Track Infrastructure on those lines and redeploy that Track Infrastructure on any part of the Operational Railway Land on such terms and conditions as the Commonwealth shall determine. The Commonwealth and its agents and contractors shall have such access to the relevant land as may be necessary to dismantle and remove that Track Infrastructure. REMEDIATION PROGRAM 7.1 Remediation by the Commonwealth Subject to clauses 7.2 and 7.3, the Commonwealth undertakes at its own cost to discharge the liability of the parties for remediation of identified Contamination of the land to be transferred to the State under clause 5.1: (a) to the environmental standards applicable generally in the State as at the date of this agreement; and (b) having regard to the purpose for which the land is used at the date of this agreement (or at the date on which the land was last used), in accordance with the Remediation Program. 7.2 No Admission of Liability The undertaking on the part of the Commonwealth in clause 7.1 is given voluntarily without any admission as to liability for the contamination and irrespective of the party or parties legally liable for such remediation. 7.3 Cessation of Commonwealth Liability The Commonwealth's liability under clause 7.1 ceases when the moneys allocated in the Remediation Program have been fully expended in or towards: (a) carrying out the Remediation Program; (b) the issuing of acceptance certificates pursuant to clause 7.4; and (c) to the extent of any surplus, the discharging of any liability of the State for any Loss or Claim of the type referred to in clause 8.1 which arises from Contamination. 7.4 Completion of Remediation A review of the Remediation Program shall be carried out in such manner as the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister agree. The State agrees that the Commonwealth will be released from any further liability under clause 7.1 in respect of a parcel of land on the State Minister confirming in writing that the Remediation Program on that land has been satisfactorily completed to the standard required by that clause. 7.5 Disputes Any party may refer a dispute under this clause to arbitration in accordance with clause 12.7. INDEMNITIES 8.1 Liabilities Associated with Land Ownership Subject to this clause 8, nothing in this agreement relieves any party from or indemnifies it against any Loss or Claim arising from injury, loss or damage suffered, or from events or circumstances occurring, at any time which Loss or Claim arises from or is associated with the ownership, occupation, use, state or condition of any land (including any Contamination) or the consequences thereof. 8.2 Commonwealth Indemnity The Commonwealth indemnifies the State against any Loss or Claim of the type referred to in clause 8.1 for which the Commonwealth is liable except to the extent that it was caused or contributed to by the State. 8.3 State Indemnity The State indemnifies the Commonwealth against any Loss or Claim of the type referred to in clause 8.1 for which the State is liable except to the extent that it was caused or contributed to by the Commonwealth. 8.4 Reduction of Liability The liability of a party for a Loss or Claim of the type referred to in clause 8.1 shall be reduced to the extent to which it is satisfied pursuant to the Remediation Program. 8.5 Employee Liabilities Notwithstanding clause 8.1, the State and its instrumentalities and agencies have no liability for any Loss or Claim by or in respect of a person who became an officer or employee of the Commonwealth or Australian National by operation of the Railways Transfer Legislation. LEASES 9.1 Ground Lease The State agrees that it will on the Effective Date sign and deliver to the Freight Operator the Ground Lease. The Ground Lease will contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the parties, including provisions: (a) for an initial term of 50 years; (b) entitling the State to terminate the lease in respect of all or any part of the Operational Railways Land if: (i) the lessee becomes insolvent; (ii) within the first 5 years of the term of the lease the lessee fails to provide for a continuous period of six months the minimum services nominated by the lessee and specified in the lease; or (iii) the Operational Railways Land or that part ceases to be used for Railway Services for a continuous period of eighteen months; (c) for the transfer to the State at its option of the Track Infrastructure on any part of the Operational Railways Land in respect of which the lease has terminated: (i) where that termination occurs within 5 years of the commencement of the lease, at no consideration; and (ii) in any other case, at valuation on the basis of continued railways usage; (d) for rental to be charged: (i) for rail corridors, at a nominal rent; and (ii) for other land, at a nominal rent for the first 5 years and at commercial rates thereafter; (e) for the excision from the Operational Railways Land of any land which is or subsequently becomes a Bulk Handling Facility so as to facilitate the lease of that land to SACBH; and (f) that the Track Infrastructure on that land will not be removed without the prior written consent of the State. 9.2 Passenger Terminal Site Lease The State agrees that it will on the Effective Date sign and deliver to the Passenger Operator the Passenger Terminal Site Lease. The Passenger Terminal Site Lease will contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the parties, including provisions: (a) for an initial term of 50 years; (b) entitling the State to terminate the lease in respect of all or any part of the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land if: (i) the lessee becomes insolvent; or (ii) the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land or that part ceases to be used for Passenger Services for a continuous period of eighteen months; (c) for the transfer to the State at its option of the Track Infrastructure on any part of the Keswick Passenger Terminal Land in respect of which the lease has terminated: (i) where that termination occurs within 5 years of the commencement of the lease, at no consideration; and (ii) in any other case, at valuation on the basis of continued railways usage; (d) for rental to be charged at a nominal rate for the first 5 years (or for so much of this period as the specified services continue to be provided) and at commercial rates thereafter; and (e) that the Track Infrastructure on that land will not be removed without the prior written consent of the State. PINNAROO LINE 10.1 Commonwealth to Undertake Standardisation The Commonwealth agrees that it will at its cost complete or procure the completion within 12 months of the Effective Date (or such other period as the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister may agree) of the conversion to standard gauge of the line from Pinnaroo to Tailem Bend to the same standard as applied on the standardisation of the Loxton to Tailem Bend line. 10.2 State Contribution The State agrees that it will contribute to the cost of the work to be carried out under clause 10.1 in an amount being the lesser of: (a) $2,000,000; and (b) one third of the expenditure incurred by the Commonwealth in carrying out that work (as certified in the event of a dispute by the Australian National Audit Office). AMENDMENT 11.1 Power to Amend The provisions of this agreement may be amended by an agreement in writing signed by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister or their respective delegates. This agreement may be so amended on more than one occasion. 11.2 Amendments to be Tabled in Parliaments A copy of an agreement under clause 11.1 shall be tabled in the Commonwealth and the State Parliaments within 15 sittings days from the date on which the agreement is made. 11.3 Effective Date of Amendments An agreement under clause 11.1 shall, if not disallowed by any Parliament within 15 sitting days of being tabled, take effect at the expiration of 15 sitting days of the Parliament in which the agreement is last tabled. GENERAL 12.1 Notices A notice, consent approval or similar communication under this agreement must be in writing signed by or on behalf of the person giving it, addressed to the person to whom it is to be given and delivered sent by pre-paid mail or transmitted by facsimile to that person's address set out in schedule 1 or another address of which that person may from time to time give notice to each other person. 12.2 Governing Law This agreement is governed by the law in force in the State and the parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State and any courts which may hear appeals from those courts in respect of any proceedings in connection with this agreement. 12.3 Waiver The non-exercise of or delay in exercising any power or right of a party does not operate as a waiver of that power or right, nor does any single exercise of a power or right preclude any other or further exercise of it or the exercise of any other power or right. A power or right may only be waived in writing, signed by the party to be bound by the waiver. 12.4 Severability Any provision in this agreement which is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction: (a) is to be read down for the purposes of that jurisdiction, if possible, so as to be valid and enforceable; or (b) if the provision cannot be read down under paragraph (a), is capable of being severed to the extent of the invalidity or unenforceability, without affecting the remaining provisions of this agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of that provision in any other jurisdiction. 12.5 Counterparts This agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and all of those counterparts taken together constitute one and the same instrument. 12.6 Further assurance Each party must do, sign, execute and deliver and must procure that each of its agents does, signs, executes and delivers, all deeds, documents, instruments and acts reasonably required of it or them by notice from another party to carry out and give full effect to this agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties under it. 12.7 Disputes Where there is a dispute between the parties in respect of this agreement or any of its provisions (a "Dispute"): (a) any party may at any time after the Dispute arises give to the other parties a notice containing full particulars of the Dispute, including terms proposed for settlement of the Dispute; (b) if the Dispute is not resolved between the parties within 28 days of the giving of the notice, any party may refer the Dispute to the arbitration of an independent arbitrator appointed by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister; (c) the arbitrator shall not perform his or her functions as an arbitrator under any law relating to arbitration, but shall act as an independent expert; and (d) the costs of an arbitration under this clause will be shared equally by the Commonwealth and the State. SCHEDULE 1 Address for Notices (clause 12.1)

Party Address The Commonwealth of Australia The Secretary, Department of Transport and Regional Development 72 Northbourne Avenue CANBERRA 2601 Facsimile: (06) 274 7819 The State of South Australia Chief Executive Officer, Department of Transport 33 – 37 Warwick Street, WALKERVILLE 5081 Facsimile: (08) 8343 2497 SCHEDULE 2 Excluded Land

Item No. Description Title or other particulars 1 Interstate Mainline Track See Schedule 3 2 Islington Freight Terminal That part of the land comprised in Certificate of title volume 5276 folio 917 and the whole of the land in certificate of title volume 4397 folio 698 marked "NRC" and delineated in yellow on page 1 of the Property Identification Folder. 3 Cooinda Complex (including ANI tennis club) Flinders Terrace Port Augusta That part of the land in certificate of title volume 5266 folio 549 marked "Cooinda Complex" and delineated in yellow on page 2 of the Property Identification Folder. 4 ANI Bowling Club Hobby Avenue Port Augusta The whole of the land in certificate of title volume 5253 folio 943. 5 ANI Stirling Golf Club, Stirling North The whole of the land in certificate of title volume 4384 folio 532. 6 Seafield Towers, 7 South Esplanade Glenelg The whole of the land in certificate of title volume 2587 folio 119. 7 AN House (including car park and associated buildings), 1 Richmond Road, Keswick That part of the land comprised in certificate of title volume 5387 folio 966 marked "AN House", "AN Institute" and "SAMHS" and delineated in yellow on page 3 of the Property Identification Folder. SCHEDULE 3 Interstate Mainline Track

Rail Corridor Relevant agreement and/or enabling legislation authorising the construction, and establishing the route, of the railway Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta Construction authorised by, and the route set out in the schedule to, the Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta Railway Act 1911 (Cth) Land granted by South Australia and Western Australia in an agreement dated 14 November 1912 (as amended in the case of Western Australia by an agreement dated 9 September 1914) set out in the schedule to the Kalgoorlie to Port Augusta Railway Lands Act 1918 (Cth) and subject to the Transcontinental Railway Land Grant Act 1911 (SA) and the Transcontinental Railway Act 1911 (WA) Tarcoola to Alice Springs Agreement dated 10 April 1974 set out in the schedule to the Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Act 1974 (Cth) and the Tarcoola to Alice Springs Railway Agreement Act 1974 (SA). Port Augusta to Whyalla Agreement dated 26 February 1970 set out in the schedule to the Port Augusta to Whyalla Railway Act 1970 (Cth) and the Port Augusta to Whyalla Railway Agreement Act 1970 (SA) Port Augusta to Port Pirie Agreement dated 29 November 1935 set out in the schedule to the Port Augusta to Port Pirie Railway Act 1935 including the route of the railway from Port Augusta to Solomontown (a suburb of Port Pirie) Adelaide to Crystal Brook Agreement dated 11 August 1980 set out in the schedule to the Railway Agreement (Adelaide to Crystal Brook) Act 1980 (Cth) comprising a non-urban sector from Salisbury to Crystal Brook (first schedule part 1) and an urban sector from Keswick passenger terminal to Salisbury (first schedule part 2). Dry Creek South to Outer Harbor Agreement dated 11 August 1980 set out in the schedule to the Railway Agreement (Adelaide to Crystal Brook) Act 1980 (Cth) comprising the branch line from Dry Creek to Gillman and Port Adelaide (first schedule part 2 clause B1) and the connection from Gillman Yard "D" Cabin to Outer Harbor (first schedule part 3). Port Pirie to NSW border Authorised by and constructed pursuant to the Port Pirie Railway Act 1873 (SA), the Petersburg and Border Railway Act 1884 (SA), the Petersburg and Border Railway Amendment Act 1886 (SA) and the Railway Deviation Act 1896 (SA) as varied on conversion to standard gauge pursuant to the Port Pirie to Cockburn Railway Deviation Act 1964 (SA). Adelaide to Victorian Border Authorised by and constructed pursuant to: (a) Adelaide to Nairne Railway Act 1878 (SA); and (b) The Nairne to Victorian Border Railway Act 1882 (SA), with deviations authorised pursuant to the Nairne to Victorian Border Railway Deviation Act 1924 (SA). SCHEDULE 4 Track Infrastructure For the purposes of this agreement the expression "Track Infrastructure" means the following improvements, whether or not constituting fixtures at law, owned by Australian National on the Effective Date: (a) trackwork including without limitation, rail lines, crossing loops, level crossings, sleepers, ballast, fastenings, points, poles, pylons, pipes, drains, structures, supports, overhead lines, buffer stops, posts and signs; (b) earthworks and formations including cuttings, embankments, tunnels (including any tunnel lighting and ventilation), ditches and retaining walls; (c) bridges, culverts, overpasses, underbridges, viaducts, jetties and wharves; (d) signalling and train control and communications systems (including signal boxes, huts and telegraph and transmission lines and instruments) which are necessary for the safe and proper movement of trains; (e) access roads, approaches, footpaths, gates, cattle stops, and fences; and (f) buildings and other structures including platforms, railway stations, passenger terminals, freight sheds, freight terminals, roundhouses, workshops and associated buildings. SCHEDULE 5 Leigh Creek Line

Rail Corridor (including land used for yards, sidings, crossing loops and goods loops) Relevant agreement and/or enabling legislation authorising the construction, and establishing the route, of the railway Interstate Mainline Track (lead 19) to Northern Power Station loop (lead 26) Port Augusta Spur Agreement dated 28 June 1962 between the Commonwealth Railways Commissioner and The Electricity Trust of South Australia and subsequent arrangements set out in an unsigned Port Augusta Loop Agreement between Australian National and The Electricity Trust of South Australia. Stirling North to Brachina Agreement forming the schedule to the Stirling North to Brachina Railway Act 1952 (Commonwealth) Brachina to Leigh Creek North Coalfield Agreement forming the schedule to the Brachina to Leigh Creek North Coalfield Railway Act 1950 (Commonwealth) and the Leigh Creek North Coalfield Railway Agreement Act 1950 (South Australia).

SIGNED by THE HONOURABLE JOHN RANDALL SHARP Minister for Transport and Regional Development of the Commonwealth in the presence of: } JOHN SHARP R GIBSON

SIGNED by THE HONOURABLE DIANA LAIDLAW Minister for Transport of the State of South Australia in the presence of: } DIANA LAIDLAW H L WEBSTER

Legislative history Notes • Please note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete. • Earlier versions of this Act (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history. • For further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au. Legislation amended by principal Act The Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997 amended the following: Wrongs Act 1936 Principal Act and amendments New entries appear in bold. Year No Title Assent Commencement 1997 53 Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997 31.7.1997 11.9.1997 (Gazette 11.9.1997 p703) 1998 39 Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) (Building and Development Work) Amendment Act 1998 30.7.1998 30.7.1998 1998 72 Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) (National Rail) Amendment Act 1998 3.12.1998 24.12.1998 (Gazette 24.12.1998 p2074) Provisions amended New entries appear in bold. Entries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics. Provision How varied Commencement Long title amended under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002

s 2 omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002

s 11A inserted by 39/1998 s 2 30.7.1998 s 11B inserted by 72/1998 s 3 24.12.1998 s 12 omitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002

Historical versions Reprint No 1—30.7.1998

Source text: opening excerpt

Sourced from South Australian Legislation (legislation.sa.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.

1 Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997

Compliance under the Act and the Railways Agreement involves duties for the State, Commonwealth, nominated operators, registrars, lessees and local authorities. The checklist below organises concrete steps and controls that flow from the text.

For the State Minister and State agencies:

Execute and ratify the Railways Agreement as authorised, s 4(1), and ensure enabling State legislation is sought and enacted as contemplated by Agreement cl 2.2. The Agreement expects the State to take practical steps to enact legislation authorising entry into the Agreement and the leases, cl 2.2(a)-(f).
Approve and enter into the Ground Lease and Passenger Terminal Site Lease on behalf of the State, s 5(1), ensuring that lease terms include the features described in Agreement cl 9.1 and cl 9.2, including initial 50 year terms, termination rights, rental regimes and Track Infrastructure transfer mechanics.
Lay executed copies of the Ground Lease and Passenger Terminal Site Lease before both Houses of Parliament within six sitting days of execution, s 5(3). Track internal administrative calendars to meet the 'six sitting days' requirement.
Before consenting to any removal of Track Infrastructure under clauses in the Agreement, satisfy yourself that the infrastructure is no longer required for safe, efficient and effective use of the relevant railway line, s 5(5). If consent is given, prepare a report and lay it before both Houses as soon as practicable, s 5(6). Maintain documentary evidence of the satisfaction process and the safety/operational assessments to withstand scrutiny.
Apply to the Registrar‑General to register the Minister as proprietor of vested land under the Real Property Act 1886, and supply surveys and plans as reasonably required, s 6(3)-(4). Coordinate with the Registrar‑General early to avoid delay in title registration.
If the State is interested in acquiring South Eastern Lines, act within the three month window after the Effective Date to procure offers for purchase per Agreement cl 6.4(a).
Manage remediation acceptance processes by confirming in writing to the Commonwealth that remediation of a parcel has been satisfactorily completed before releasing the Commonwealth from further liability under cl 7.4. Keep clear records of remediation expenditures and acceptance certificates.
Prepare to implement the tax and rate exemptions for affected owners and occupiers for five years from the Effective Date, s 9, and plan budgets for the expiry of these exemptions.

For the Commonwealth and Commonwealth delegates:

Take all practical steps to seek and enact the enabling Commonwealth legislation specified in cl 2.1 to authorise performance and vesting, and to permit ministerial declarations of vesting where appropriate, cl 5.2.
Ensure the Remediation Program is properly funded, that allocations are identified and tracked, and that expenditure is documented. Remember that the Commonwealth’s liability ceases when allocated monies are exhausted, cl 7.3.
Prepare Ministerial certificates identifying SAR Land, Commonwealth Railways Land and Excluded Land as required for registration, cl 5.4 and s 7. Ensure delegates are properly authorised in writing to sign certificates, Agreement cl 1.4 and s 7(2).

For the Freight Operator, Passenger Operator and prospective lessees:

Understand the lease terms contemplated by cl 9.1 and 9.2: initial 50 year terms, potential early termination conditions, nominal rent periods and later commercial rental, and the possibility that Track Infrastructure may transfer to the State on termination, cl 9.1-9.2. Negotiate clarity on valuation methodologies for Track Infrastructure transfers after five years.
Budget for the expiry of tax and rate relief after five years, s 9, and for commercial rent increases after the initial nominal rent periods, cl 9.1(d)-9.2(d).
Ensure operational and maintenance plans meet the minimum service commitments proposed during the first five years to avoid a termination trigger in cl 9.1(b)(ii).
Include in transaction documentation clear title and asset schedules reflecting the severance of Track Infrastructure as personal property, Agreement cl 6.1 and Schedule 4, and ensure security interests, insurance and asset registers align with the personal property status.
For passenger service operations, make short term arrangements for liquor supply that rely on the six month exemption under s 11 as needed, but obtain conventional liquor licences before the exemption expires.

For local government and revenue authorities:

Recognise the five year exemptions from land tax and municipal rates for transferred land used to operate railways, s 9. Update rating and tax registers and plan for reversion to ordinary charging after the five year window.

For registrars and land titles offices:

On application by the Minister, register the Minister as proprietor or bring the land under the Real Property Act 1886 per s 6(3). Obtain the surveys and plans required by s 6(4). Use ministerial certificates as conclusive evidence for identification, s 7 and Agreement cl 5.4.

For environmental and planning compliance officers:

Treat specified pre‑commencement building and development work on transferred land carried out by Australian National or Crown entities as having complied with statutory and regulatory requirements applicable at the time, per s 11A. For current or future works, ensure compliance with present planning and environmental regimes as s 11A does not create blanket retrospective exemption.

Dispute management:

If disputes arise, follow the Agreement’s dispute pathway: give a notice with particulars, negotiate for 28 days, and if unresolved, proceed to referral to an independent expert arbitrator appointed by the Commonwealth Minister and the State Minister, cl 12.7(a)-(b). Note that the arbitrator acts as an independent expert and not under arbitration law, cl 12.7(c), and that costs are shared equally by Commonwealth and State, cl 12.7(d). Parties should consider agreed procedural terms for the arbitration and the possible need to preserve court rights in urgent circumstances.

Documentation and audit trail:

Maintain registers of ministerial certificates, tabling copies of leases and reports to Parliament, and formal records of any ministerial satisfaction as required by s 5(5)-(6) and Agreement cl 11.2-11.3 for amendments. Keep robust records of remediation expenditures, acceptance certificates, and any ministerial consignments for parliamentary tabling.

In short, compliance requires coordinated action across title registration, parliamentary tabling, remedial work certification, careful lease drafting, insurance and asset management responding to severance, and proactive handling of narrow timing windows such as the 3 month South Eastern Lines purchase window and five year initial rent/exemption periods. Actors should document ministerial satisfactions and certificates rigorously because they carry conclusive evidentiary weight under s 7 and Agreement cl 5.4.

Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997

Plain English Summary

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Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997

Source text: opening excerpt

1 Non-Metropolitan Railways (Transfer) Act 1997

Main concepts

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Amendment history

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