The call to delay the truncation of Newcastle rail line has become louder after NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson joined a growing chorus of questions about whether there was corruption involved in the government’s decision.
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Greens and Labor MPs have said the rail cut should be stalled beyond the Boxing Day start date, given revelations of corrupt conduct between developers and former Newcastle MP Tim Owen at the Independent Commission Against Corruption this week.
Mr Owen was a strong supporter of truncating the rail line between Newcastle and Wickham.
There has been a call for the ICAC to investigate whether developers influenced the decision to cut the rail line, before the infrastructure is ripped up.
Fairfax Media reported yesterday that Mr Robertson said Labor would reopen the rail line, if it could still be operated, if the party formed government after the March election.
“The Liberals have not only behaved appallingly with the allegations out of the ICAC, but the Liberals have failed to address the massive challenges facing the Hunter,” Mr Robertson told the Mercury.
He said Labor’s case for stopping the Newcastle rail line truncation had only been strengthened by recent revelations of corrupt
conduct during the 2011 election campaign.
“Labor opposes the ripping up of the rail line. Given the allegations of corruption coming out of the ICAC the case to stop the Liberals’ plan to tear up the rail line has only become stronger,” he said.
Maitland MP Robyn Parker said she was concerned about making sure Maitland commuters had accessible transport in the future.
“The decision on the Newcastle rail line has been made,” she said.
“I do share the concern of the Maitland community with regard to future convenient and accessible public transport services for Maitland.
“I have made my concerns clear from the beginning of discussions on the rail line closure.
“I will continue to work with Minister Berejiklian and her staff to ensure that the people of Maitland are listened to and their concerns addressed.
“I want to see a reliable, convenient and safe public transport system for Maitland and I will work hard to make it happen.”