The major local Perth newspaper 'The West' incorrectly...

The major local Perth newspaper 'The West' incorrectly interpreted an Australian Rail Track Corporation media release by stating:

"...Nine freight trains from Adelaide crossed the Nullarbor overnight and arrived in the State on Wednesday, delivering much needed supplies..."

Well, no.

The ARTC release stated:

"...Nine freight trains are expected to access the newly repaired network today allowing much-needed supplies such as fresh food, beverages and retail goods to move on this vital rail link connecting Western Australia and the Northern Territory to the Eastern states..."

Of these, at least two (on Tuesday 15 February) were using the Tarcoola - Darwin line as well as the Port Augusta - Tarcoola section of the Trans Australia Railway (one of which was a minerals train), while some trains travelling across the Nullarbor yesterday were eastbound, that is, originating in Perth and thus bound for Melbourne or Sydney.

A similar pattern is evident today. Logically, there must be trains in each direction unless a rail operator wants to have a surplus of container wagons or louvre vans at one end and ultimately few at the other.

Journalists may be under pressure to tap out copy that turns into stories, but Brianna Dugan whose byline it's under needs to put her thinking cap on in future and if necessary, ring the source to clarify.