“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” is attributed to the great Mark Twain, but perhaps we may apply it the Coalition state government’s announcement of cutting the Maitland to Newcastle rail line.
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Or, the Lenny Kravitz song It ain’t over till it’s over might be a better way to describe it.
Maitland Greens, along with Save Our Rail and several other organisations are preparing to keep the fight going – for as long as it takes.
The government says December 26 is the date the rail line will be terminated at Hamilton and work will begin in the new year to rip up the tracks.
The haste is obvious. Start ripping up the track and there’s no going back if there is a change of government or the balance of power in the upper house changes – or so the government thinks.
Making these drastic changes has been programmed for right in the middle of the school holidays and right at the height of summer.
School kids trying to get to the beach, some with surfboards, and families trying to get to the foreshore, many with prams and strollers.
The timing is woeful, unless the government thinks everyone will be away for Christmas.
We have been told that another 20 minutes will be added to the trip by the time you get off the train at Hamilton and catch a bus into the city. Plus the extra cost.
So, there is still good reason to continue the fight. To finish with other quote, this one from Winston Churchill on how to pursue your goals. He gave three pieces of advice:
1: Never give up.
2: Never give up.
3: Never give up.
- John Brown, Bolwarra Heights
