Dear all,

I am pleased to inform that the NSW Legislative Assembly debate on the community petition seeking the restoration of passenger train services from Armidale to Jennings/Wallangarra will be debated on 8th February 2024.  This is a significant milestone in our campaign to convince the authorities both at State government and Local government levels about the importance of this railway line for the benefit of New England residents especially those living in the northern part but also for the region's long-term future growth and prosperity.

We like to take this opportunity to  thank the 10740 residents of NSW including those living along the railway line between Armidale and Wallangarra who signed the petition to the parliament.

Hon. Jenny Aitchison, minister for regional transport and roads has posted her response in the LA website.   She claims that the line was considered by the Australian federal government when the Inland rail was being planned but excluded. That was more than 15 years ago. Circumstances have changed significantly between then and now.  Furthermore, we are not asking for the Inland rail to be diverted via New England to transport double stacked containers.  Our request is to restore the line for passenger train services.  In this context, we are aware of the many billions being spent on various infrastructure projects in Sydney.  Government investments in essential transport infradstructure should not be determined according to the postcode.

She is also asking the proponents to submit a business plan.  This is somewhat perplexing to say the least. When a community requests the government to restore train services on a government owned railway line (currently non-operational section), why should those who signed the petition be required to submit a business plan that may cost up to a million dollars? Which community member who signed the petition is willing to dish out such $s?  During the collection of signatures, no one expressed willingness or happiness to provide such money to engage a consultant to prepare a business case.  If this is the way the NSW government function now, God help!

Minister Aitchison also states that Transport for NSW -lead agency responsible for railway lines in NSW- is in the process of developing a Strategic Integrated Transport Plan for New England-Northwest. I understand this is to be completed by the end of 2024. This is welcome news especially if TFNSW plans to conduct community consultations.  I mean community consultations -not so-called Stakeholder consultations.  The government has a habit of consulting select groups of people from the community when drafting plans. e.g. councils, National Parks and Wildlife, Aboriginal legal services.  This practice can exclude a large chunk of the community.

 Another point mentioned in her response to the petition is that there are no current plans to restore the railway service from Armidale to Wallangarra. Why should this be held against the people in New England who are suffering immensely from the lack of public transport between Armidale and Queensland?  If there are no current plans, the right thing to do is to prepare a plan or alter the existing plans.  I suspect there is no shortage of government planning staff and consultants  who can assist the government. About a year ago, there was a review of Regional Transport or development plan relevant to our region during which time we in Trains North made submissions pointing out the importance of extending rail services to Queensland. Those who reviewed the existing plan  ignored our suggestions.

We expect the NSW government to listen to the people in regional NSW and their voices rather than to the bureaucrats in TFNSW who advise the minister.  They may have their own reasons for not to do something that can benefit the people in regional New England rather than do something constructive.  Elected politicians have a duty to serve the people who elect them and look after their needs .

Let’s wait for the speeches by members of NSW Legislative Assembly including MPs like Adam Marshall(Northern Tablelands),Jannele Saffin (Lismore) on the 8th February to see where they stand and what action the Government will take following the debate?  If it is going to be only a talkfest, we will be disappointed.  We need tangible action from a government that claims to serve the needs of those living in regional NSW.