The fight to delay plans to cut Newcastle train line will ramp up after news that the state government’s preparations to close the line on Boxing Day have continued this week.
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Surveying work began along the Newcastle rail corridor yesterday, which indicated that pleas for the government to take the rail issue to the March election have been ignored.
But public submissions opened yesterday for the parliamentary select committee, set up by Greens MLC David Shoebridge, to investigate recent Hunter planning decisions, including the rail cut.
Christian Democrat MLC Reverend Fred Nile will chair the committee, which includes Greens, Labor and Coalition representatives.
It is expected to release its findings early next year, but does not have the power to force the government to delay the rail closure.
The committee will hold public hearings and a forum in Newcastle on November 7 and 21 and in Sydney on November 24.
“As these projects will change the face of Newcastle and the Hunter, it is essential that the community has confidence in the decision-making processes pursued by public officials and government departments,” Reverend Nile said. “We want to ensure that the best interests of the community have been at the heart of these significant planning decisions.”
Despite the public outcry from Hunter residents outside Newcastle, Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian told the Mercury that the government remained committed to removing the line.
When asked why it would not delay work and take the issue to the election, she responded: “We are getting on with the job of revitalising the Newcastle CBD, building light rail, and bringing much-needed jobs, visitors and residents to the Hunter region.
“I can assure residents that there will be a comprehensive bus plan in place to reduce inconvenience for Maitland customers while light rail is being constructed.
“Details are being finalised and will be released soon.”
Save Our Rail president Kim Cross said it was disappointing but not surprising that the government did not heed the calls to delay the work.
She said the group would investigate every possible way to convince the government to retain the line.
Visit the website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/newcastleplanning to make a public submission to the select committee by October 24.
