The 1979 Oil Crisis and Its Lasting Impact on Australian Transport
The 1979 oil crisis had a profound effect on Australia, with petrol prices quadrupling and causing widespread disruption in cities and regions across the country. At that time, the Liberal government in Western Australia made a controversial decision to close the Fremantle railway, marking the first step in what seemed to be a move towards a city that would never need rail infrastructure. This decision came at a particularly poor time for me, as I was a young academic and Fremantle councillor who had already experienced the 1973 US oil crisis. That event had left a lasting impression on me, highlighting the urgent need for cities and regions to reduce their dependence on oil.
I launched a campaign to save the Fremantle railway, and we were successful in our efforts. The Liberal government was eventually replaced in 1983 by an ALP government, which promised to restore train services and explore electrification and extensions to new parts of the city. This was in line with global trends at the time. Over the past 40 years, the ALP has won multiple elections based on promises of new railway projects. Today, we have seven new rail lines that have increased rail patronage tenfold. Many other cities around the world have followed this model, which has been dubbed the Second Rail Revolution.
The current oil crisis appears to be even more severe and damaging to the economy than the one in 1979. What steps can we take to build an economy that is not reliant on oil? We certainly need a clear vision for both short-term and long-term changes that can position us as leaders in the global transition away from fossil fuels, much like we did before.
A Vision for the Future
My agenda includes several key initiatives that are already being explored in other cities and regions:
Tram-Net: We need to develop a comprehensive tram network with tram boulevards along main roads in Perth. These trams should connect seamlessly with the heavy rail system, providing easy and rapid access for commuters. Each tram station could also serve as a catalyst for affordable, net-zero housing developments. Fifteen local governments in Perth have already identified suitable locations for these projects, and the premier recently expressed support for the idea. Similar plans are being developed for all major cities in Australia as part of ongoing research.
Country-Net: Expanding rail networks into regional areas is essential for both freight and passenger transport. Studies conducted in the South West have shown that increasing rail connectivity makes economic sense in an oil-vulnerable world. The Pilbara region is demonstrating how electric rail can work effectively in the mining industry. In New South Wales and Victoria, country rail has been successfully extended for freight and passengers. Across the country, there is a growing need for more rail options for both freight and passengers.
Electric Vehicles (EVs): The adoption of electric cars and trucks is accelerating rapidly in Australia, largely due to China’s influence on the market. China has made electric vehicles commercially attractive, and they are now poised to do the same with electric trucks. Fifty per cent of new trucks in China are already electric, and they are expected to pay for themselves within five years. We need to prepare for this shift by installing EV charging stations and battery swap facilities at all regional service stations.
Net-Zero Precincts: Every new urban and regional development project should include demonstration net-zero precincts. Net zero is not just about combating climate change; it is also about securing our future without relying on fossil fuels. We need a serious plan to protect our economic and environmental stability.
As we look ahead, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to ensure a sustainable and resilient future. The lessons from the past, particularly the 1979 oil crisis, remind us of the importance of diversifying our energy sources and investing in alternative transportation systems. By embracing these changes, we can position Australia as a leader in the global transition to a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
