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NSW rail lines ready to be ripped up identified
Tuesday 03 November 2009
Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said the list of 58 rail lines identified by the government as 'non-operational', under questioning by the Greens - including key lines in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Far North Coast - is evidence of what could be lost to developers under a Government bill set for debate next week ('Rail lines could be ripped up', Sydney Morning Herald, p. 3).
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.
