Dear Supporter of the Northern rail line,

I was listening to an interview with a lady from Lismore in radio national 6.00pm program yesterday.  She was explaining the weaknesses in disaster response including low level of warning, breakdown of communication, lack of preparedness and more.  As the criticisms grow, Premier and the NSW govt are on the back foot.

This is a good time for us to write to him and emphasis the need for re-developing unused rail lines in NSW as part of disaster preparedness. NSW Emergency Coordinator  who is responsible for disaster preparedness is another person to write to.  If you live in NSW, you can write to your local MP also.

I encourage as many people to write the premier using the online form available at the following link:

https://www.nsw.gov.au/premier-of-nsw/contact-premier

Scroll down to see the form to complete.

You can also attach documents.

I plan to write to him specifically citing  the recent disaster due to flood situation in Lismore and nearby areas.  I will attach a copy of my petition with 1600 signatures.

Points such as the following can be used:

1. Ability of rail to move displaced people, emergency equipment, aid etc. during natural disasters and emergencies

2. Usefulness of rail lines(unused) at critical times when the coastal line is flooded and supply chain is disrupted.

3. NSW government plans at present extending up to 2040 do not include future use of unused rail lines in the regions?  It is a serious flaw e.g. Armidale to Wallangarra. This was built on higher grounds to prevent it being subjected to flooding

4. Importance of re-developing unused rail lines in the regions to connect with Inland rail for above mentioned purposes.

5. Need to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from road transport on highways and the contribution that rail transport can make

6. Any other factors you can think of

Cheers,

Siri   Gamage