Our silliest job? $1300 a week waiting for a train that'll never come Article from: Herald Sun Matt Johnston July 24, 2008 12:00am
A TRAINSPOTTER is being paid up to $1300 a week to watch a weed-infested rail line that has not been used for more than a decade.
The flagsman will be at a Warrnambool rail line for three months while sewer lines are put in nearby even though the track has been blockaded by rocks and sleepers for two months.
Wannon Water, which is building the sewer lines, said before they could begin work, public train operator V/Line forced it to have a flagsman on guard despite no trains using the lines.
The trainspotter, who is parked between the rail line and the construction works, jumped up from his car when the Herald Sun approached.
He said he was "not interested" in talking about his job and would "call the police" if he were not left alone.
Wannon Water's corporate communications spokeswoman, Annette Cannon, said the sewer trunk line was being built to serve a growth area in Warrnambool, known as Dennington North.
"It's a V/Line requirement that a rail person is on site at all times. We did question that, knowing the rail line was not active, but it was a condition of work," she said.
Ms Cannon said the trainspotter had been watching the tracks for three weeks and would be there until the $400,000 construction finished in September.
V/Line spokeswoman Clare Steele said a basic level of safety was needed near the train line, because though trains had not come through for 10 years, other vehicles could come up the line.
Wannon Water was using a level 3 flagsman when only a level 1 guard was needed, she said.
"Safety is the No. 1 requirement.
"If people think we are being too conservative that's something we just have to work with."
Jenny Bertrand, who works at the Dennington North general store next to the rail line, said the train line was blocked 2km away with rocks and sleepers.
"I just can't believe they can pay someone to do that when the track is clearly closed," she said.
Australian Rail, Bus and Tram industry union secretary Victor Moore said a qualified grade 3 flagsman would be paid $20 an hour.
If he were living away from home he would get a further $120-a-day allowance, bringing his wage to $1300 a week.
