It is with total disbelief that we have to put up with a state government removing infrastructure that works perfectly for a “pie in the sky” light rail system that I doubt that I will live long enough to see.
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Why remove the heavy rail?
Could it be to beautify our city? – Well maybe.
A lot more could be done to beautify the existing corridor.
Will it free up Stewart Avenue without the level crossing? – Of course.
The more likely reason is that the land the heavy rail sits on is priceless to the money hungry, grubby developers that seem to have a desire for bribing our politicians to gain advantages.
Putting the heavy rail underground is a good idea but it will not eliminate the Beaumont Street level crossing.
Why go to the added expense of doing this when the current system works?
The trains coming up from Sydney and Gosford as well as from the upper Hunter will have two lines at Wickham. Three into two doesn’t go.
Perhaps the Sydney and Gosford trains will finish at Broadmeadow.... but then those passengers will need to travel to the interchange at Wickham or Newcastle with their prams, luggage or bikes.
It will be a total nightmare for passengers travelling to Sydney to connect with overseas flights or cruises.
You only need to board the 8.30am from Fassifern to realise the amount of luggage that these trains carry.
At times it is difficult to get a seat.
I have read in the Newcastle Herald that both Pru Goward and Gladys Berejiklian have stated that there was extensive pubic consultation regarding the Wickham truncation but neither could recall when and where.
I have not found one person that was aware of this consultation with the local community.
Perhaps the only consultation was had at Government House, Macquarie Street, Sydney.
- Pete Swinbourne, Bellbird
