Every time a new idea lands in Kiama, the comments light up. When Greens candidate for the Kiama By-election Dr Tonia Gray suggested battery powered trains as an alternative to the ageing diesel service between Kiama and Bomaderry, the response on Facebook was swift and, in many cases, nasty.
It was not just about trains. For some, anything linked to The Greens is dismissed out of hand. For others, it was the fear of change, the suspicion that new technology will cost too much or never work. There is also the cynicism that comes from years of broken transport promises. And of course, Facebook has its own way of fanning the flames, where debate quickly shifts from issues to personalities and tempers run hotter than they would face to face.
But if you strip away the noise, the question remains: what is the smartest, cleanest and most affordable way to connect our communities into the future? Battery powered trains deserve to be part of that conversation.
I slipped up a little on terminology (we don’t need the electric word there) as there are no electric wires associated.
As Dr Gray says
“Shoalhaven is one of the growth areas of New South Wales. Why not put the infrastructure in before the boom happens. We are not your country cousins. We are professionals who want the cleanest, fastest and most efficient way to move between Kiama and Sydney.”
Why Battery Trains Make Sense for Kiama to Bomaderry
✨ Social benefits
Battery powered trains would connect our communities with transport that is cleaner, quieter and more reliable. They make it easier to get to work, school, health services and social activities. Replacing diesel means better air quality for children, older residents and anyone with health conditions. Projects like this also build community pride by showing we are investing in the future.
“We can run more frequent, reliable services — no one should be stranded two hours at Kiama station with their suitcases in the cold. Let’s bring our region into the 21st century with Wi-Fi and charging stations, so commuting fits the hybrid lifestyle so many of us now live.”
🌿 Environmental benefits
Battery trains mean zero local emissions and can recharge through regenerative braking. They need far less infrastructure than full electrification, which means fewer impacts on our landscapes. Every battery powered trip replaces a diesel service, cutting greenhouse gases and reducing noise for the towns along the line.
“This idea is an absolute winner. We lower our carbon footprint, we decarbonise, and we modernise.”
💰 Economic benefits
Electrifying entire lines with overhead wires is costly. Battery trains are a smarter, more cost effective option because they can run on existing tracks with only small upgrades. While the upfront cost is higher, they save money in the long run through lower fuel use, reduced maintenance and higher efficiency. This benefits the whole economy. Essential workers and visitors can move more easily, local businesses thrive, and tourism gets a boost from fast, modern, green transport.
“All we need is a new train, no wires, no massive digging, just a simple, smart change. Proper planning leads to happy, resilient communities.”
🔋 Batteries to power freight trains
Batteries are not just for passenger trains. The Albanese Government has backed a ground breaking 9.4 million dollar project with Aurizon to retrofit a freight locomotive with a 1.8 MWh battery electric tender. The goal is to prove battery technology can haul heavy freight as well as power regional passenger services. . Read more here ➡️
There is no need for infrastructure like overhead electric wires and substation, all we need is a passing loop.“
🚄 Proven technology
Battery trains are already a reality, not just a futuristic idea. Europe is now seeing regular deployment of battery-powered trains on regional lines. For instance, France is converting five regional train sets from diesel to battery power, aiming to launch fully electric services on routes that lack overhead wires
Dr Gray points out that these trains also have the capability of 1500V DC electric trains, the same system used by Sydney Trains, to charge their batteries and then continue running on non-electrified lines. That would eliminate the need for passengers to change trains at Kiama, delivering a seamless journey. “It is the perfect solution for 21st-century transport,” she says.
“I am calling on all candidates to back me in this proposal, because it is good for the Kiama electorate.”
You can read my coverage of the Kiama By-election candidates here
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