Simon Smith, who has lived in the Hunter his entire life, said the decision to cut the line into Newcastle CBD would force many residents back on the road.

But Mr Smith said Dungog’s roads were among the worst in the state and the shire council faced a $42 million road work backlog.

He said it appeared that towns like Dungog had been forgotten in the debate over whether the state government should cut the line.

“This has been huge issue for this little town, but it’s just another example of how rural Australia and small towns are being sold out by big business and weak politicians toeing a party line to sell out their constituents and then try to convince them that things are improving,” he said.

“Local politicians of all levels have done nothing in this area to support rail commuters. We also have the worst roads in the state here.

“Make no mistake, what this Liberal government has done to our rail service here is disgusting.”

Work to remove the rail line will begin on Boxing Day, with commuters expected to change from trains to a bus service at Broadmeadow to travel into the city. 

The government plans to build a transport interchange at Wickham that would allow commuters to change from trains to light rail, but there is no timeline for when light rail would be up and running.

Communities in the greater Hunter have said they were not properly consulted about the plan, despite the fact many people rely on public transport to access services in Newcastle. 

Premier Mike Baird has refused to say why the government would not postpone the start date and take the issue to the March election.