Supporters of a commuter rail service for the northern rivers are being urged to attend a film night in Bangalow tomorrow evening to have their say about proposed rail trails.
The Northern Rivers Railway Action Group will be screening its film, Bringing Trains Back to the Northern Rivers, at the Bangalow RSL Club at 6pm on Tuesday (24 January).
NRRAG chairperson Beth Shelley said Tweed Council had already agreed to a rail trail and the Byron Shire Council was currently asking for submissions about what to with the Bangalow railway grounds.
‘We’re concerned about any rail trail proposals because we want to see a regular, commuter rail service for this area and if the rail trail legislation goes through the whole rail corridor will no longer be protected from being sold off,’ Ms Shelley said.
A report from CRC Transforming rail: A key element in Australia’s low pollution future states that:
- Rail freight causes up to 19 times less emissions than road freight.
- Rail freight is up to 23 times more energy efficient than road freight.
- Rail is the solution to congested roads – 1 train takes 525 cars or 110 trucks off the roads.
- An average passenger train reduces carbon emissions by the same amount as planting 320 hectares of trees.
‘We need our railway line for the future because there are so many issues, climate change, air pollution, traffic congestion and road accidents that require a sensible solution and it all points to rail for passengers and freight.’
Ms Shelley said she had spoken to two young men from Bangalow’s food mart who said, “I’d jump at the chance to come to work on the train as it costs me heaps in petrol now,” and, “Imagine going for a surf after work just by getting on the train”.
‘We’re hoping the Bangalow community will see our film and write submissions on the spot for the Byron council consultation process which closes on the following day, January 25th.We will also be showing the film at the Tweed in the near future.
‘This is our opportunity to be listened to… Come along and enjoy the free film and make what you want happen.
‘We need the whole community of the Northern Rivers to get on board with this plan for the future for our economy, our environment and our many and varied communities.’
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