Premier Wran – a man of achievements

April 30, 2026

Amongst the achievements of Mr Wran when he was NSW Premier was upgrading a run down rail system. Before the 1976 election, Mr Wran with shadow transport minister Peter Cox, took well publicised train trips from Gosford and the Blue Mountains and won two marginal seats - and formed government. Then followed completion of the Eastern Suburbs line to Bondi Junction, and ordering a new XPT train (built in NSW and still operating) that in September 1981 set a new Australian speed record of 183 km/h. This record stood until May 1999 when the Queensland electric tilt train on upgraded tracks reached 210km/h. Further achievements were rail electrification to Newcastle (1984) and Wollongong (1986). Three new links were started, Sandy Hollow to Gulgong and East Hills to Glenfield line (completed) and the Maldon Dombarton rail link (yet to be completed). Road safety was appreciably improved by the Wran Government with random breath testing This was introduced in December 1982 for a three year trial, then after saving “a life a day” it became ongoing.