This is according to Murraylands Regional Development Board chief executive Brenton Lewis in response to a Family First proposal to reinstate regional passenger rail services.

Mr Lewis last week welcomed the Family First proposal, saying an extensive public transport system was needed to cater for the region’s predicted growth.

Mr Lewis said the Murray Mallee Local Government Transport Advisory Committee had identified regional public transport improvements as a high priority for the region.

“It’s certainly lacking and with the prison system coming in there’s going to be a large demand ... ” Mr Lewis said.

Mr Lewis said the existing rail system was “clogged” with freight trains and he hoped the Monarto Intermodal, which would result in road, airport and rail transport freight, could unclog the system for passenger rail services.

Family First parliamentary leader Dennis Hood made the call for the return of passenger rail services, saying there was substantial demand for rail service in regional towns including Murray Bridge, Mount Barker, Whyalla, Mount Gambier and Broken Hill.

Under the proposal, the Environment, Recourses and Development Committee would launch a full parliamentary enquiry into the return of regional passenger rail services for South Australia, and new metropolitan services.

Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick said a regional passenger rail service could help Murray Bridge to grow.

“(In the future) people will have to change their whole mindset (towards public transport), with the industry happening we will obviously need to get people in and out of areas,” Mr Pederick said.

Murray Bridge council chief executive officer David Altmann did not have enough information on the proposal but said he welcomed a briefing from the party on the idea.

The Family First proposal will be addressed by State Parliament in June.