Action for Public Transport (N.S.W.) Inc.

Closure of Newcastle branch railway proposed again

posted Sunday 15 June 2003

On Friday 6th June, the Minister stated that the Newcastle branch railway might be closed as soon as August this year. He wanted to hear from the public what they wanted on the matter with submissions closing within one month. Submissions should go to workinggroup@premiers.nsw.gov.au.

The minister said that there were far too many empty buses and trains running into Newcastle and something had to be done. The working group which has been set up to make a recommendation comprises:

John Tate, Lord Mayor of Newcastle
Hunter Business Chief Glenn Thornton
Newcastle Trades Hall Council secretary Gary Kennedy
Bill Dunbar from Premier's Dept.

There are no commuter representatives on this working group.

APT understands that over 8000 passengers per weekday use the line between Hamilton and Newcastle. APT cannot see how removing the railway, which would connect the city with the waterfront and presumably make much land available for development, would rescue the struggling Newcastle commercial centre. APT also understands that many of the "empty" buses are merely conveying their drivers to and from meal breaks.

Action for Public Transport home page