Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr has weighed into the Newcastle rail line debate, saying the decision to cut the line at Wickham was one that purely benefits developers.
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“I have repeatedly, in numerous speeches in parliament, challenged the government to table any analysis, cost benefit, mapping, budget, timeline, data or any other document that shows this decision is based on evidence and fact,” Mr. Barr said.
“Of course, they can’t do that. So we don’t even know how much this project will cost.
“Some are estimating $1.5 to $2 billion but to date only $500 million has been allocated.
“This will place an enormous burden on future NSW budgets and the taxpayers – all for the benefit of developers.”
With four train stations in his electorate (Branxton, Greta, Beresfield and Tarro), Mr. Barr said the people of these communities have made it very clear that they want the rail line to stay in place.
“For some it was about getting to work. For others it was accessing appointments. Others used it to access the city for entertainment and nights out.
“And interestingly a lot of older folks wanted to make sure that the kids would still be able to get to the beach with their surfboards.”
Mr. Barr has been working with Singleton-based group Two More Trains For Singleton, who are seeking to increase public transport use.
He said current train users are likely to “ditch” public transport if the rail line is cut, putting more cars on the already-congested roads that feed into Newcastle, and that the promised light rail may not ever exist.
“Light rail is a distraction, a sweetener, an old magician’s trick to get people’s attention away from the real issue - cutting the rail line,” Mr. Barr said.
“The use of light rail to distract people is, in essence, the government admitting that the decision to gut the rail line is deeply unpopular.”
Mr. Barr said new residents in the development that is occurring to the west of Maitland, including Huntlee, should have the option for a single ride train into the city, rather than a bus interchange that will add at least five to 10 minutes to their journey.
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The Advertiser has joined its Fairfax stablemates The Maitland Mercury, Dungog Chronicle, Singleton Argus, Scone Advocate and Muswellbrook Chronicle to fight for the chance to vote on the rail line truncation.
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