14.9 C
Byron Shire
June 2, 2023

Waiting for the train… report

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Lobby group Trains On Our Tracks (TOOT) has called on Ballina MP and minister for the north coast Don Page to tell the community when the feasibility study on the Casino–Murwillumbah train line will be released.

‘According to the government the report is due “by the end of the year”,’ said TOOT president Karin Kolbe.

‘We want to ensure that this report doesn’t get buried over the holiday season.

‘People are asking if the local members are really committed to rail transport. [In the past] local members have committed to rail services.

‘For example on September 15, 2009, Don Page said in a media release “the line should be upgraded, and used for a commuter and light-rail service linking towns and villages in the northern rivers.”

‘The government allocated $2 million for this study in its 2011 budget and we want to ensure that this report doesn’t get buried. If the report has been delayed we want to know why.’

A spokesperson for Mr Page told Echonetdaily, ‘We understand it’s in the hands of the consultants. The report then goes to ministers Page and [transport minister] Berejiklian, so there is still time before the break.

‘It will either be in the next few days or early in the new year. When any announcement is made it will come from Ms Berejiklian’s office.

Lobby group Trains On Our Tracks (TOOT) has called on Ballina MP and minister for the north coast Don Page to tell the community when the feasibility study on the Casino–Murwillumbah train line will be released.

‘According to the government the report is due “by the end of the year”,’ said TOOT president Karin Kolbe.

‘We want to ensure that this report doesn’t get buried over the holiday season.

‘People are asking if the local members are really committed to rail transport. [In the past] local members have committed to rail services.

‘For example on September 15, 2009, Don Page said in a media release “the line should be upgraded, and used for a commuter and light-rail service linking towns and villages in the northern rivers.”

‘The government allocated $2 million for this study in its 2011 budget and we want to ensure that this report doesn’t get buried. If the report has been delayed we want to know why.’

A spokesperson for Mr Page told Echonetdaily, ‘We understand it’s in the hands of the consultants. The report then goes to ministers Page and [transport minister] Berejiklian, so there is still time before the break.

‘It will either be in the next few days or early in the new year. When any announcement is made it will come from Ms Berejiklian’s office.’


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1 COMMENT

  1. Ahh, I think you might be waiting for a while, like you better take a cut lunch, I think the same as with CSG Don Page is asleep at the wheel still, and hopes the whole thing will go away as if by magic & he can continue ad infinitum in office….. We’ll see.

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