Great to hear from a freight train driver, gravelman. May the...

Great to hear from a freight train driver, gravelman. May the ballast be with you ('ballast' in simple terms is the rocks laid in between and packed under sleepers to which the rails are secured. Essential for drainage and maintaining track quality: gravelman please correct me if I'm mistaken).

Many value your work, especially those who live in isolated Perth, Darwin, Port Hedland and (ahem!) Alice Springs. Much appreciated, as skilful and safe driving must be your hallmark. The Adelaide to Murray Bridge section of the rail line to Melbourne is one where it must be challenging to drive a heavy train given the gradients and numerous curves

546 metres in this AZJ's train length from Melbourne adds to perhaps 1200m from the Sydney-Port Pirie-Perth train, so it then hopefully becomes close to 1800 metres.

The consumer downturn is a concern as it reduces demand for containerised freight (i.e. dry and chilled/frozen items that end up in supermarkets, hardware in Bunnings/Mitre 10, clothing in Myer/KMart/Harris Scarfe/David Jones/Aldi) but perhaps Perth (and WA) are less affected.

Iron ore mines in the Pilbara continue to do well. Perth is adding population all the time.