Trains, not roads, the answer to congestion

People do need to be concerned about dirty diesel emissions, but it’s very strange that those concerns are directed at one small Byron train while at the same time ignoring the many tonnes of toxic fumes being released from road transport on our roads and in our towns every day.

It would be much more effective if people addressed their concerns about dirty diesel to the state Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, at Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000.

They should also ask Mr Constance when he plans to have the train service, promised for many years by Barry O’Farrell, (then opposition leader) Don Page (former MP for Ballina), Thomas George (MP for Lismore)  running on the Casino to Murwillumbah line.

This urgently needed service would not only reduce toxic emissions by reducing traffic congestion, it would save lives and injuries from road accidents, allow locals to access health and education facilities, as well as providing transport to 4.6m tourists to the region.

The state government is in a good financial position and is expecting $20 billion from the sale of electricity poles and wires.

They are planning to spend most of this money on infrastructure in and around Sydney, little will be spent in the north coast.

This region has been neglected by successive state governments for far too long.  It’s time we got our fair share.

The cost of repairing the line for the Byron train ($1.1m for 3.4kms) shows that the Casino to Murwillumbah line can be repaired and a train service running for a fraction of what the state government claims.

What we cannot afford is the huge cost of building and maintaining the roads needed for the tsunami of traffic headed our way, or the traffic congestion and toxic fumes that goes with it.

Louise Doran, Ocean Shores