Dear rail supporters,
Armidale regional Council is seeking public comments about its draft Strateic plan for the next 20 years. Submisions cloase on 19th march 2024. It is important that you read the plan, vision, 3 priorities(listed in the 2nd half of plan) and associated actions to be taken under each priority and sub headings.
Concern we have is the deletion of northern railway line from the maps and replacing it with proposed rail trail when the government has not approved it or granted the lease of corridor yet.
Surely, to achieve plan's objectives, a revitalised railway service can be very useful. e.g. topurism, connecvity,employment and housing growth, town centre revitalisation, health, employment and culture precincts. Yet the ARC seems to be thinking that a rail trail(bike and walking track) can contribute to such ambitions rather than a revitalised rail service. A rail service can contribute to the well being of residents in areas like Guyra, Black Mountain, and Ben Lomond while contributing to the growth potential in these areas.
What is important is not the listing of priorities, actions and glossy maps but the STRATEGIES proposed to achive the objectives in each priority areas. For example, for tourism or various precincts listed is the council going to seek more funding or spend the funds gained from recent rate rise? or what other concrete actions are to be taken other than planning changes?
Plan talks about connectivity, transport infrastrucrture etc. but other than mention about the airport and rail trail, no other significant measure is mentioned. Given the high air fares and flight disruptions people experience, why dont the Council advocate revitalisation of ground transport options for both pasenger and freight services? Mind you this is a 20 year plan. Are we to be blocked from any development of rail services for this whole period?
it is important that you spend some time to read the plan(looks more like a wish list) and prepare a submision without delay.
If any of you like some of my own comments and Qs from a first reading of the plan conteact me.
Link to the plan (see the right side)
https://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au/draft-local-strategic-planning-statement
Siri Gamage, Armidale