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The mayor of Maitland advocated putting the train line between Wickham and Newcastle underground when he was a state MP almost 20 years ago.
But the idea that Cr Peter Blackmore supported when he was member for Maitland in 1995 was rejected, with the government deciding to remove the line in 2012.
He said he understood the concerns of commuters from the greater Hunter about whether access to Newcastle would become more difficult after the line was removed.
Cr Blackmore hoped commuters would be able to reach the CBD using heavy and light rail using a single ticket.
“If I go to Newcastle, I catch the train myself,” he said.
“I think, given time, hopefully the government will be able to take the broader concerns of the community on board by provision of public transport.”
Cr Blackmore said now was the time for the government to address community concerns about the rail cut.
But he said it was unlikely that everyone would be satisfied, regardless of the outcome and saw no merit in putting off the Boxing Day start-work date.
“Maitland City Council has opposed ripping up the heavy rail line,” he said.
“But the government has made its decision. There has been talk about this for so long, it’s going to happen one day.”
Cr Blackmore said he would also like to see more train stations established in places like Lochinvar, where council is encouraging urban settlement.
He said a rail link to Williamtown Airport would also make it easier for commuters from Maitland to fly in and out of the region.
Cr Blackmore, who is also chairman of Hunter Councils, said the group had not discussed taking a position on the rail issue.
Many Hunter residents outside Newcastle said they had not been properly consulted about the rail cut, despite being regular train users.
The government has rejected calls to postpone the Boxing Day rail closure date until after the March election.
Premier Mike Baird has refused to say why the government would not postpone the work.
The Mercury wants more voices in the public debate about the rail closure. Email nick.bielby@fairfaxmedia.com.au if you have something to say on the issue.