Minister Speaks on Train Line Reinstatement

By Samantha Elley

The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, addressed NSW parliament last Thursday in reply to the petition to the Legislative Assembly asking for reinstatement of passenger trains from Armidale to Wallangarra on the QLD border. The Minister referred to regional transport providing better outcomes for health, education, jobs and opportunity.

The petition was presented to the lower house by the Member for New England, Adam Marshall. He acknowledged the hard work involved in amassing 10,740  signatures by Trains North, and its President Matthew Tierney, as well as its predecessor the Great Northern Rail group led by Rob Lenehan from Guyra.

Jenny Aitchison mentioned previously operating a business in Walcha and the train assisting tourist movements north of Tamworth. The government can assist with better connections for resources, markets, schools, hospitals and jobs. There needs to be a robust look at the project with a business case for consideration by the current Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Study.

from left; Adam Marshall : Member for New England (Armidale office) Mathew Tiernay: President, Trains North Inc. Joy King from Tenterfield, Jenny Aitchison Minister for Regional Rail and Roads, Allen Crosthwaite Vice President, Tenterfield, Trains North Inc.

The Minister expressed appreciation to Matthew Tierney, Allen Crossthwaite Trains North Vice President for Tenterfield, and Colin Schroeder from Ecotransit for coming to meet with her and for being present in the gallery for the debate on the petition.

Adam Marshall summarised the history of the Great Northern Railway, mentioning recent support for reinstatement of train services by Tenterfield Shire Council. He said typically freight would need to underpin the line’s viability due to the expense of a passenger service.

Mr Marshall stressed that a train better suits the needs of an ageing population and disabled residents rather than coaches. He concluded that today is not the end of the debate but rather the beginning.

Jenny Aitchison and Adam Marshall followed up the debate by personally meeting with Matthew Tierney, Allen Crosthwaite and Joy King (also of Tenterfield) on the steps outside parliament.

A feasibility study and cost benefit analysis would demonstrate the desired outcome to the people of the New England of reinstating the train service with wide ranging benefits to commerce, tourism, employment, education, health, road safety and the environment.

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