Supporters and advocates for the return of train transport north of Armidale are getting a significant boost this week as the rail union begins an active campaign to improve transport options for regional areas – including the opening of new regional rail lines.
The new Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW, Toby Warnes and RTBU Loco Division Secretary, Farren Campbell, will be meeting with local community members this week to discuss the transport needs of the region.
“Transport workers, just like commuters, are fed up with the fact that the transport needs of regional NSW have been largely ignored for decades,” Mr Warnes said.
“People in NSW, including in regional areas, should have access to world-class public transport but we all know that’s far from the case.
“We know communities – especially those in regional and rural areas – are crying out for improved transport, including better rail links, and so too are workers.
“The Rail, Tram and Bus Union is touring regional communities across New England, speaking to locals about what they want to see from their transport system.”
The return of rail transport north of Armidale has been a deeply divisive issue in the New England for some time. Rail advocates Trains North have gone head to head with supporters of a recreational rail trail proposal, that wants to rip up the rail line to create a bike path. A petition with more than 10,000 signatures has been presented to the federal parliament in support of a return to rail transport north to Brisbane. The significant battle over the future of the rail line has led to ugly scenes in Council, with accusations of bullying and manipulations of process.
Mr Warnes believes the best way to get results is if the community and workers combine forces.
“If workers and commuters work together to push government for action, we’ll have the best possible chance of getting the quality transport system we deserve.”
The union recently moved a resolution which was adopted at the NSW Labor Party conference, committing NSW Labor to take action on developing regional rail throughout the state.
“Over the past three decades, the closure of rail lines and services across NSW has reduced the mobility of regional communities and denied them an effective and efficient public transport service.
“Our rail freight is also limited by a lack of rail infrastructure. When you consider that rail is the cleanest, greenest mass-transit system we have available, it makes complete sense to focus efforts on maximising our use of it.
“It is time to shift thinking on regional rail and identify both previously closed rail lines for refurbishment, as well as opportunities for new regions to be serviced by this transport vital infrastructure.
