Stop Rail Sell Off

Govt backs off flawed rail trail bill - big community win

alisono — 2009-11-11T21:55:37Z

"The government's so-called Rail Trail Bill was an irresponsible piece of legislation. If passed it could have resulted in the loss of valuable rail corridors and infrastructure by alienating it for profit making purposes other than rail trails," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The Greens are long term advocates for improved walking and cycling infrastructure. We have repeatedly told the government we are ready to support genuine rail trail plans, but this bill was a wolf in sheeps clothing.

"The bill could not be supported because the community could see the government's hidden agenda to not create rail trails but profit from the alternative management of the railway land and infrastructure.

"The bill that has been withdrawn only used the term rail trail in its title. It did not clearly rule out the short or long term lease of a rail corridor for profit for purposes other than a rail trail.

"In earlier legislation the government was attempting to wind up the important Act passed over 100 years ago that sets out that rail lines can only be removed by an act of parliament, to allow the sale of rail land to developers.

"The government had to back off on that plan because of massive public opposition culminating in a huge rally outside parliament house last month supported by the rail unions, farmers and transport organisations and community groups.

"For the past week the government has been lobbying hard to get the Rail Trail Bill through by adopting some modifications. But the resulting bill was fundamentally flawed. One key problem was that it could enable rail lines to be declared disused, which were still enjoying current yet periodic use, or may be valuable in the future.

"The government needs to face up to the reality that because of its appalling record on walking and cycleway infrastructure, no one trusts them when it comes to public transport plans.

"So when the Transport Minister makes out that he is truly concerned about cycleways and transport corridors people are quite rightly suspicious," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

Read here an analysis of flaws in the amended bill

Amended ‘rail trail’ bill flawed, transport corridors still at risk

alisono — 2009-11-11T01:45:59Z

“The amended bill is better than the original but still fundamentally
flawed because it does not clearly rule out the short or long term
lease of a rail corridor for profit, or its use for purposes other
than a rail trail,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“The government’s road to Damascus conversion to rail trails raises
suspicion when you consider its decade long disregard for pedestrians
and cyclists and its record of raising cash by leasing or selling off
public infrastructure.

“If the government really wants a rail trail in a particular region,
along a particular line, then it should bring forward a bill strictly
limited to this purpose.

“The Greens are ready to support a genuine Rail Trail Bill, where it
can be proven there is no further use for a rail corridor and the
local community is overwhelmingly supportive of the plan.

“This amended bill only uses the term ‘rail trail’ in its title. The
bill allows the Minister to declare any rail corridor ‘disused’,
allowing it to be used for purposes other than a rail trail.

“Possibly the biggest loophole lies with the test the Minister must
meet before declaring a rail corridor as ‘disused’. The ‘no regular
use’ test leaves it open for the government to declare a line as
disused even if it has enjoyed only periodic use during a 15-year
period.

“The Minister could, for example, close down a line used for part of a
year for the transport of grain. The closure of such lines is
undesirable as the result is more dangerous trucks on country roads.

“Under the government’s amended bill a ‘disused’ rail corridor could
also be managed by a corporation, not just a local council or
community group, as the government publicly claims would be the case.

“The Greens and many local communities do not trust that this
government, with its track record of neglecting rail, cycle and
pedestrian infrastructure, is genuine in its intention to use this
legislation solely for rail trails,” Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information – Lee Rhiannon - 0427 861 568, 9230 3551

NSW rail lines ready to be ripped up identified

alisono — 2009-11-03T23:45:18Z

The Minister for Transport David Campbell has provided details of disused rail and freight lines in NSW, under questioning from the Greens during Budget Estimates. 45 of the 58 lines could be leased to developers under the new Rail Trails bill.

"The Minister's claim there would be no changes to these lines unless the community agrees is disingenuous," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The government has closed its ears to strong community campaigns to keep the Casino-Murwillumbah line open in Northern NSW and rural branch lines operating in Western NSW.

"History shows it is the big end of town that has the government's ear, not local residents.

"The government's bill has a 30 day period during which the community can make representations, but there is no obligation on the Minister to heed public feedback.

"This long list of disused rail lines able to be leased to developers under the government's new bill is disturbing.

"The Minister for Transport claims the Transport Administration Amendment (Rail Trails) Bill 2009 will make way for rail trails.

"But it's clear that the government's key objective is to allow long term leases of land to corporations, effectively quashing any opportunity for this precious public infrastructure to be reused for public transport.

"Many rail lines across NSW have been left to rot by the government. Now it's trying to make a quick buck from their demise by allowing them to be ripped up and leased for development.

"The government will face an uphill battle trying to get this legislation passed in the NSW Upper House, where it is set to be debated next week," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
See Lee Rhiannon's Stop Rail Sell Off page.

Community groups join forces to protest the Government's rail sell off

alisono — 2009-10-20T22:45:40Z

Speakers:
· Lee Rhiannon, NSW Greens MP
· Jamie Parker, Mayor of Leichhardt
· Gail Broadbent, Australian Conservation Foundation
· Reps from Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association
· Rail Tram and Bus Union
· Newcastle Transport for Business Development
· Trains On Our Tracks (TOOT) – Casino to Murwillumbah line
· Save Our Rail – Hunter region

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said:

"Communities and groups from across NSW are coming together to protest
this legislation, which gives the Government the power to sell off rail
corridors.

"Developed without community consultation, these laws are a gift to
developers and a kick in the teeth for our future rail network.

"The move to sell off rail lines is irresponsible in an age of climate
change and peak oil. The government should be building a bigger rail
network, not shutting lines down.

"Transport Minister David Campbell is becoming known as the minister
for closing rail lines," said Ms Rhiannon.

For more information:
Lee Rhiannon - 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Karin Kolbe - 0411 594 599 (TOOT organiser on behalf of NSW public
transport groups)

North coast and Hunter locals join Sydney protest - pressure on Govt to scrap rail sell off plan

alisono — 2009-10-20T22:51:21Z

"Locals travelled from the NSW North Coast and the Hunter today to
defend their local rail corridors," said Ms Rhiannon.

"Pressure is mounting on the government to drop its so called 'rail
trail' legislation.

"Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Nick Lewocki addressed the crowd
along with representatives from transport and environment groups, the
Greens and the Coalition.

"If this bill becomes law, developers will be lining up to get a slice
of the north coast rail corridor and the Hunter rail corridor into
Newcastle CBD and in many other places.

"Under pressure today, the Transport Minister David Campbell put
forward amendments to the government's own bill.

"The Minister said the amended will only allow the removable of rail
lines that have been disused for over 15 years.

"The Greens are strongly opposed to the rail sell-off bill and to the
proposed amendments.

"The government is being deceptive about its intentions. It is already
possible to create rail trails in NSW. Many exist in the Hunter and an
Act of parliament was not needed for them to be created.

"The premise of the legislation is fundamentally flawed and should be
scrapped.

"The bill is currently being debated in the NSW Legislative Assembly.

"The Green will oppose the bill in the Upper House," said Ms Rhiannon.

For more information, 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

Rail trails bill a disguise to close rail lines through NSW

alisono — 2009-10-20T21:42:14Z

Wagga Wagga Councillor Ray Goodlass said: "Mr Campbell claims that
the proposed new laws are for rail trails but the detail of the bill
shows that the 'rail trail' legislation is a wolf in sheep's
clothing.

"The legislation as it stands would allow the government to rip up
and sell off freight and passenger lines throughout NSW to property
developers without any requirement that they are replaced by rail
trails.

"Mr Campbell needs to come clean. If this is a bill about the Wagga
Wagga - Tumbarumba rail line and the Tumut - Batlow rail line, then it
should be limited to these two lines.

"The Greens support rail trails but we cannot support legislation
that is more about selling off rail lines than supporting cycling and
local tourism*, said Mr Goodlass.

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said: "Mr Campbell's 'rail trail' talk
is cover for its real objective - to close down rail lines, sell off
land to developers and pocket the cash.

"Mr Campbell admitted in his second reading speech that the new law
would allow the closure and sell off of rail lines in instances where
there is no call for a rail trail.

"The Greens are getting advice on amendments that would limit this
bill to the Wagga Wagga - Tumbarumba rail line and the Tumut - Batlow
rail line.

"We want to ensure that these Riverina rail lines remain in public
hands as a public transport corridor to be used for either trains or
bicycles, as needs dictate.

"In the age of climate change the government should be breathing life
into NSW's rail network, not closing it down and flogging it off," Ms
Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

David Campbell - Minister for closing rail lines strikes again

alisono — 2009-09-29T22:55:38Z

"The closure of this line puts lives at risk, places an unacceptable burden on the local council and is bad news for the environment," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Transport Minister David Campbell is becoming known for the minister for closing rail lines.

"The Minister is thumbing his nose at the federal government's involvement in this issue.

"The closure of this line has come came just weeks before the federal government's NSW Grain Freight Review report is due to be released.

"The Minister's decision is a cost shifting exercise that will not save the NSW government a huge amount of money but for individual shires and councils the financial burden of the road repairs they are now responsible for will be excessive.

"The Minister's decision to close the Camurra to Weemalah rail line will put thousands of trucks on the streets of Moree. Sooner or later the government's decision to push grain haulage onto trucks will result in a catastrophic accident as these roads where never built for b-double trucks.

"The closure of this Moree rail line will result in some trucks travelling illegal routes.

"When I was in the Central West in July working with local farmers for the retention of their rail branch lines I received worrying reports about b-double trucks contracted to GrainCorp taking illegal routes.

"I expect that illegal routes will be taken in other parts of the state. Truck drivers will have a tough job negotiating many of the narrow country roads and they will look for the quickest route to their destination.

"The decision to close this line is a heartless decision that will mean less income for farmers as their transport costs will escalate.

"For every train that doesn't run more than 90 semi-trailers will be required to move the grain," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

"Rail Trails" bill now public: every NSW rail line under threat

alisono — 2009-09-24T05:10:34Z

The Rail Trails Bill and Minister's Second Reading Speech is now available on Lee Rhiannon's website:

"The government claims the proposed new laws are to faciltate rail trails. But the bill confirms that the 'rail trail' legislation is a wolf in sheep's clothing," Ms Rhiannon said.

"If passed, the Minister for Transport can declare any NSW rail line as disused, wait 30 days for a public consultation period to expire, then sell off the line and associated land to developers.

"The bill gives no definition of what constitutes a 'disused' line or any appeal process. The public consultation process involves placing an advertisement in a local paper and on the Department's website and calling for public submissions.

"The Minister's second reading speech on the bill tells the real story. He says where there is no community call for a 'rail trail', "there may be instances where the best outcome for the community may be to consider closing and disposing of the corridor".

"The Bill allows for some disused rail corridors to be classified as Crown Land and managed by the Lands Administration Ministerial Corporation.

"The government says this will make way for rail trails. But there is nothing stopping the government leasing the land to a mining company or another corporation for 99 years, effectively quashing any opportunity for this precious public infrastructure to be reused for public transport.

"The Minister's speech to this bill makes it appear as if rail is dead in NSW but it is Minister Campbell who is the dinosaur.

"In the age of climate change the government should be breathing life into NSW's rail network, not closing it down and flogging it off," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

Hansard of Rail Trail Second Reading Speech

alisono — 2009-09-24T04:35:32Z

Excerpt from Hansard.

TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT (RAIL TRAILS) BILL 2009 24 Sept 09

Bill introduced on motion by Mr David Campbell.

Agreement in Principle

Mr DAVID CAMPBELL (Keira—Minister for Transport, and Minister for the Illawarra) [4.29 p.m.]: I move:

That this bill be now agreed to in principle.

The New South Wales public rightly expects that the State's assets are available for positive community benefit. At the present time there are just over 3,000 kilometres of non-operational rail lines across New South Wales where train services have ceased operating—some services ceased operating more than 30 years ago. Even though these lines are no longer part of the New South Wales operating rail network, they represent a significant historical investment in the transport and community network of the State. They were instrumental in shaping New South Wales' development, especially its rural and regional areas, and provided important linkages to markets, larger towns and capital cities. However, modes and patterns of passenger and freight transport have changed significantly since these rail lines were built, and in many cases, while there is strong community attachment to their retention as rail lines, there is little likelihood they will ever be required for train operations or other forms of transport.

This currently idle asset offers enormous potential benefit for communities in rural and regional New South Wales. The bill introduces changes to once again allow for their use by the public through their development, especially as rail trails for walking, cycling or potentially horseriding. Rail trails are in place worldwide. Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia have converted disused rail lines for rail trails. I am aware that there are eight proposals for rail trails in New South Wales. Given this interest, the Government wants New South Wales communities to reap the social and economic benefits rail trails are delivering in other States. The bill will allow us to free up the untapped value of this important community asset. Rail trails offer fabulous recreational opportunities to families in rural and regional areas.

As well, rail trails are a significant tourist attraction and, importantly, for many local economies struggling with drought and unfavourable economic conditions, the tourist dollar will benefit local businesses. Rail trails can in fact be an incentive to business development. The model we are adopting involves transferring on a case-by-case basis disused corridors to the Lands Administration Ministerial Corporation within the Land and Property Management Authority, which then will work with community groups to develop the corridors as rail trails or for other community purposes. This is similar to the very successful rail trails model in Victoria. It is anticipated that in many cases the Land and Property Management Authority would pass the care, control and management of the corridor to a reserve trust manager, for example, a local council.

The Lands and Property Management Authority has a proven record with managing similar trails, including short walking tracks on Crown reserves near urban areas and longer-distance walking trails such as the Great North Walk from Sydney to Pokolbin and the Six Foot Track linking Katoomba and the Jenolan Caves. The approach the Government is introducing will promote development in rural and regional New South Wales while at the same time retaining the corridor land in public ownership. Current legislation does not allow for the ready transfer of rail corridors into the administration of the Land and Property Management Authority. This is because disposal of rail corridor land or removal of railway tracks or other infrastructure legally cannot occur unless the line is closed, which requires an Act of Parliament.

The bill enables the transfer of lines, declared by the Minister for Transport to be disused railway lines, to the Lands Administration Ministerial Corporation and its management under the Crown Lands Act 1989 for community purposes, without necessitating closure. The bill also allows the Minister for Transport the discretion to have a corridor revert back to transport use, should this be required in the future. As a further safeguard, railway corridors administered by the Land and Property Management Authority under these arrangements will not be able to be sold. I understand that prior to requesting the Minister for Transport to transfer a rail corridor to the Lands Administration Ministerial Corporation, the Land and Property Management Authority will facilitate community consultation on the proposal for its use, including with adjoining landholders, to establish the feasibility of the proposal and to address any legitimate concerns.

In most cases development of rail trails will require removal of the remnant rail infrastructure—the old track, sleepers and any other structures. At the moment this also cannot be done without formally closing the line. In some cases the proceeds of selling that obsolete infrastructure could be used for the development of the rail trail. Even where no rail trails are proposed, the infrastructure is not needed; it is just lying idle. In the unlikely event that train services were ever to resume on a disused track, it would all need to be replaced as it would have seriously deteriorated. In the meantime, expenditure on essential maintenance is required just to ensure safety and there are better ways to spend this money for community benefit. The sale of any scrap from railway lines is not likely to be a major source of revenue, but we should be able to clear them of old infrastructure and realise whatever value they hold.

The bill allows for both removal and disposal of infrastructure from any non-operational rail line without the line needing to be closed. We do not expect that the demand for rail trails means that all 3,000 kilometres of disused track would be developed for such use. In cases where there is no interest in developing corridors for this purpose the Government believes there may be instances where the best outcome for the community may be to consider closing and disposing of the corridor. Any proposal to close and sell a rail line would be exposed to appropriate scrutiny as, for some communities, it could mean losing a valued public asset.

Proposals to formally close and sell a rail line would be subject to community consultation and, in assessing such a proposal, consideration would be given to relevant factors that could include why closure is being sought, the potential for reintroduction of train or other transport services and the broader public interest considering the views of key stakeholders and the local communities. The bill therefore enables the Minister for Transport to authorise, on a case-by-case basis and following public consultation, the closure of a line declared by the Minister to be a disused railway line. This would facilitate the sale of such corridors where appropriate. I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned on motion by Mr Daryl Maguire and set down as an order of the day for a future day.

Transport Minister admits rail track sell off plan

alisono — 2009-09-23T06:10:15Z

"The government is involved in crude greenwash by trying to make out that their new legislation is just about building new cycleways," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Legislation is not needed to establish cycleways on old rail lines.

"In the Riverina such bike paths are created by putting soil on top of tracks. This is the appropriate way to go as it means that lines can be used later if needed.

"In Perth they run cycleways alongside the rail lines.

"The government's attempt to justify this dangerous piece of legislation by making out it is all about promoting cycling infrastructure is laughable as the government has slashed funding for this sector.

"Under a previous roads minister, Michael Costa, bike funding was cut by one third.

"And the long promised state bike plan is still not in sight and the lost funding has not been restored.

"The intent of this bill is clear. It is designed to pave the way for a massive fire sale of public land at the expense of our public transport future.

"The Greens will forward the minister's comments from the Budget Estimate hearing to transport and community groups across the state working for improved rail services.

"We will be working together to ensure this bill never become law.

"The legislation the government wants to repeal was passed over 100 years ago to give protection to the vast network of rail lines across this state.

"The current Act sets out that rail lines can only be removed by an act of parliament. That is an important safeguard that should not be removed," said Ms Rhiannon.

For Lee Rhiannon - 92303551, 0427 861 568