The Greens want the truncation of Newcastle rail line put on hold until developers have been cleared of involvement in the decision.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Greens transport spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi said the Independent Commission Against Corruption should investigate whether developers had any influence over the truncation plans when Operation Spicer resumes next week.
Dr Faruqi’s comments come as 200 people are expected to march from Maitland train station to Maitland MP Robyn Parker’s office this morning to deliver a petition in protest against the plans.
They said the state government’s decision to cut the heavy rail line would make it harder for them to get from Maitland to Newcastle CBD to access services.
Operation Spicer will investigate whether developers, including Hilton Grugeon and Newcastle Lord Mayor Jeff McCloy, made donations to the Liberal Party during the 2011 state election campaign and whether this led to influence over government decisions.
Fairfax Media reported in June that Planning Minister Pru Goward said some development of the rail corridor was possible, despite previous indications to the contrary.
Dr Faruqi said developers appeared to be the only winners from the truncation.
“With news that Newcastle will be the epicentre of the Independent Commission Against Corruption investigation examining alleged prohibited political donations by property developers, there is an urgent need for Parliament to investigate the reason why the Newcastle rail line is being cut, especially when so many in the community are against it,” she said.
“With both Liberal and Labor MPs being investigated by the ICAC in recent years, the inquiry is an opportunity for the Parliament to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and sound decision making for the people of Newcastle, something that has been sorely lacking in NSW.”
Labor candidate for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said closure of the rail line, scheduled for Boxing Day, should be delayed if there was any possibility of an ICAC investigation.
Transport Minister and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian declined to comment when the Mercury contacted her office for a response yesterday.
Plans for the Wickham Transport Interchange went on public exhibition yesterday.
