David Campbell - Minister for closing rail lines strikes again

"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.

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