A Motion by Aileen McDonald, MLC Seeking the Reinstatement of funding for the New England Rail Trail before the NSW Legislative Council. Notice given on 11th February 2025.
She wants the House to recognise the potential of New England Rail Trail, Condemn the Federal and State governments for the withdrawal of previously committed funding, acknowledge that this is a betrayal of Northern Tablelands community. She calls for the reinstatement of funding commitments made by the formner coalition governments. Ms. McDonald also wants the governments to recognise the NERT as a regionally significant project with bipartisan support and collaborate with Armidale and Glen Innes councils to overcome the barriers.
Q. WHY IS SHE SUPPORTING A RAIL TRAIL PLAN THAT REQUIRES THE REMOVAL OF EXISTING TRAIN LINE WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC ASSET THAT SHOULD BE RESTORED IF THE TWO COUNCILS ARE TO ACHIEVE THEIR GROWTH TARGETS IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS?
Q. DOESN'T MS.MCDONALD UNDERSTAND THIS RAIL TRAIL PLAN DOES NOT HAVE WIDER COMMUNITY SUPPORT? OVER 10,000 PEOPLE FROM THE STATE(7000 FROM NORTHERN TABLELANDS) WANT THE RAIL SERVICE RESTORED -AS SHOWN BY THE PETITION SUBMITTED TO THE NSW PARLIAMENT IN LATE 2023 AND DEBATED IN FEBRUARY 2024.
Q. DOESN'T SHE UNDERSTAND THAT A PLAN WITH SECTIONAL INTERESTS CANNOT SUCCEED WHEN THE TWO COUNCILS DO NOT LISTEN TO OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS WANTING TO USE THE RAIL LINE FOR HERITAGE TRAINS OR INNOVATIVE BUSINESS PURPOSES?
Q. DOESN'T SHE UNDERSTAND THAT BOTH LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT ARE EMPHASISING THE NEED FOR SHIFTING FREIGHT FROM ROADS TO RAIL? THEREFORE THE NORTHERN RAIL LINE IS AN IMPORTANT LINE TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO TARGETS?
Q. DOESN'T SHE UNDERSTAND THE MANY DIFFICULTIES THAT THE RESIDENTS IN NEW England,ESPECIALLY NORTH OF ARMIDALE FACE DUE TO THE LACK OF PROPER PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO FOR MEDICAL AND OTHER APPOINTMENTS? E.G. GUYRA, GLEN INNES, GLENCOE, DEEPWATER, TENTERFIELD, WALLANGARA. DON'T THEY DESERVE A DESCENT BUS AND TRAIN SERVICE LIKE THOSE IN SYDNEY?
It is time that Ms McDonald realise that she needs to advocate for better public transport including the restoration of rail line to the area she represent to move into a better future rather than continmue to promote a fail trail which is a double edged sword because it will destroy our valuable rail line. Moreover, the estimated visitor numbers in the rail trail business case are based on unrealistic assumoptions ie. a cyclist will ride the trail in 3 days and stay overnight in two places.
You may not share her assertions. If so encourage you to contact MLCs in the Legislative Council and express your views directly. Their names and contacts are available from the following link:
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/members/pages/all-members.aspx?house=LC