Rail group to support pro-train candidates

Armidale Express -online- August 14, 2024

Rail supporters remembered a strong proponent in Steve Pearce at a meeting on August 10.

Mr Pearce had been the first vice president of Trains North's Glen Innes branch, but sadly died earlier this year.

More than 30 members of Trains North and supporters of restoring rail services on the Main North line joined in for the meeting.

The meeting reaffirmed community passion to retain the rail line and encouraged residents to support council candidates who support the railway.

The meeting had heard presentations by Matthew Tierney, Siri Gamage, David Donnelly, Antoinette Gray, Deni McKenzie, Paul Ashley, Rob Lenehan, Margaret O'Connor and Sue Waters.

The long years, uncertain outcome and social tension of the current campaign were compared with the relatively quick success enjoyed by the Friends of the Northern Railway in 1990 and 2003, keeping trains running to Armidale.

Organisers said despite the challenges, it "was definitely worthwhile pressing on to save the railway for the future".

The Conference heard important details of Glen Innes Severn Council's recent resolutions about the Rail Trail (bike path).

Some Trains North members had met recently with Toby Warnes and other leaders of the Rail Tram and Bus Union and brought a very positive report about their strong support for regional rail.

The Conference was warned against unrealistic or unfounded optimism about some prospects for trains, while being encouraged to pursue the potential of the Main North Line as an interstate freight railway together with opportunities for plausible short-haul uses of the line. That was followed by a report on the proposed processed food plant at Llangothlin with freight rail to the south.

Key tasks for Trains North were set forth, and the whole conference contributed to a list of the most important next steps.

(Source: AE)