CENTRAL Wheatbelt MLA Lachlan Hunter has renewed calls for mandatory auxiliary lighting on Australia’s freight and passenger trains as the community marks the 25th anniversary of the Yarramony Road rail disaster.

On July 8, 2000, Jess Broad (18), Hilary Smith (19) and Christian Jensen (20) were killed when their car was struck by a fully loaded grain train at an unlit, passive level crossing near Jennacubbine.

The crossing had only a give way sign -–no flashing lights or boom gates.

“They never saw the train coming,” Mr Hunter said.

“A quarter-century later, families are still waiting for the simplest safety measure: put lights on trains.”

Despite a 2001 coronial recommendation, and two decades of tireless advocacy by Christian’s sister, Lara Jensen, there are still no mandatory national standards requiring auxiliary lighting on locomotives or their rolling stock.

In June, Mr Hunter wrote to CBH, Southern Shorthaul Rail, Aurizon, Pacific National and the WA Transport Minister demanding action.

“If a basic lighting retrofit prevents even one collision, it’s worth every cent,” Mr Hunter said.

“Silence from decision-makers speaks volumes.”

Since the Yarramony tragedy, more than 100 lives have been lost at level crossings around Australia, with thousands more near misses. Four out of five crossings remain passive, relying only on roadside signs to warn motorists of oncoming trains.

“WA prides itself on innovation, yet our rail safety is stuck in the dark ages,” Mr Hunter said.

Mr Hunter paid tribute to the resilience of Jess’s parents Merrilea and David Broad, Hilary’s parents George and Sally Smith, and Christian’s parents Laurie and Catherine Jensen, as well as Lara Jensen, who has led the campaign for change for more than two decades.

“Their strength over 25 years has been extraordinary. Their fight must not be in vain.”

Mr Hunter urged government and industry to stop deflecting and start acting.

“Enough excuses. Enough delays. Let the legacy of Jess, Hilary and Christian be a safer rail network for every Australian family.”