Dear all,

Adam Marshall, MP for Northern Tablelands today delivered the community petition seeking the restoration of passenger train services between Armidale and Jennings/Wallangarra near the Qld border.  It is tabled in the Legislative Assembly, and a date for the debate will be decided.  it is likely to be in February 2024.

This is a significant milestone in the New England community efforts to convince the NSW government authorities about the need for passenger train services in the northern part of the electorate that has been ignored for more than three decades. It also shows to the local councils who do not still believe in such a need that the community is well behind this petition and request for train services to be extended.

Those living in major cities do not have to face the challenges that those living in regional areas face in terms of public transport. While the government and the councils are sleeping at the wheel, community members have taken matters into their hand to push for a better investment to restore this vital link between New England and Queensland.  Many residents in New England have close relatives in Queensland.  Unless they can drive, afford air fares or travel to a coastal town  to catch a bus or a train, their chances of travelling to Queensland including for medical appointments are remote. Authorities are still not listening.  We hope that after the debate about this petition in the NSW legislative assembly early in the. new year, the government will take some proactive actions to be on the right side oif history!