All eyes will be on the Hunter today as Reverend Fred Nile rolls into Newcastle with his multi-party ­committee that is investigating recent planning decisions in the region.

One of the issues on the agenda today, which is the first of three hearing days, is the government’s plan to cut the Newcastle rail line at Wickham ­station.

Reverend Nile and Greens MLC David Shoebridge will chair the hearing and have called witnesses from both sides of the debate to give ­evidence.

While the committee will look at a variety of planning issues, the rail cut is one of the key planning decisions that will be investigated.

Mr Shoebridge established the committee after corruption allegations were levelled at multiple Liberal Party MPs from the Hunter, after they allegedly accepted banned donations from property developers.

There is a concern the price of development of the Newcastle rail corridor, which the government has not ruled out, will be less efficient public transport into the city.

The Mercury has made it clear that, in light of the corruption cloud that has descended over state politics in the Hunter, work to cut the line at Wickham should be postponed until after the March election or at least until after the select committee releases its findings in early March.

But the government remains adamant that it will close the line and begin work from Boxing Day.

Let’s hope that the select committee shines a light on the decision making process behind the Newcastle rail cut.

That way we can be sure one of the most crucial planning and transport decisions in the Hunter’s recent history was clean.

READ THE STORY: Newcastle rail inquiry kicks off today | POLL