The final thermit weld to celebrate the linking the existing Adelaide to Alice Springs rail line with the newly constructed 1420 km rail line from Alice Springs to Darwin took place in Alice Springs today.

NT Chief Minister Clare Martin and SA premier Mike Rann ignited the Thermit Weld that marked the joining of the tracks, with Senator Nigel Scullion representing Prime Minister John Howard, Bruce McGowan - CEO of FreightLink and Betty Pearce and Karen Liddle representing the Lhereartepe Traditional Owners also officiating at the Ceremony. Hundreds of spectators turned out to witness the event.

• Click here to view and download images as shown on left

• FreightLink CEO Mr Bruce McGowan
• FreightLink September Update
• NT Chief Minister the Hon Clare Martin
• SA Premier the Hon Mike Rann
• Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion

• Media Alert

• Map of Trackjoining event location

• Progress Map at 18 September 2003

NT Government Factsheet - A Brief History of the Transcontinental Railway

NT Government Factsheet - Mparntwe Land, Alice Springs

NT Government Factsheet - History of Alice Springs

NT Government Factsheet - Historical Photographs and Map showing Alice Springs to Darwin Railway Corridor through the Northern Territory

http://www.lindsaybks.com/bks4/thermit/
http://www.iorw.org/meet1summ_johnson.html
http://www.thermitwelding.demon.co.uk/profile.html
http://www.staff.ncl.ac.uk/s.j.bull/mmm373/WELD/sld012.htm
http://www.orgothermit.com/welding.html

For further information, contact:
Tiffany Stodart, Corporate Communications Manager, AustralAsia Railway Corporation
Office (08) 8946 9591
Mobile 0401 119710
email:tiffany.stodart@aarc.com.au