15/9/2009

Provest presses forward with Casino-Gold Coast rail link

The New South Wales Labor Government's decision to sell off the Casino-Murwillumbah rail corridor may be a setback in the campaign to bring back local trains, but Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest is urging the community to step up the fight and think outside the square.

“We will fight Labor's short-sighted sell-off plans in Parliament, but we also need to be positive and find innovative ways of moving forward,” Mr Provest said.

“That is why I have written to Queensland Transport Minister Rachel Nolan seeking a meeting to discuss linking our rail service with the heavy and light rail systems her Government is building on the Gold Coast.”

“Everyone except the NSW Labor Government appears to support a Casino-Gold Coast rail link. We need an integrated public transport system for both now and into the future.

“With that in mind I am seeking to convene a meeting of stakeholders, in particular Northern Rivers mayors, who represent all sides of politics.”

Mr Provest outlined his proposal in the NSW Parliament on Friday, before the announcement the State Labor Government was planning to sell thousands of kilometres of rail corridor in regional New South Wales.

“What is needed for future growth is an effective transport system that would reduce the already higher than State average unemployment and allow young people access to employment and pensioners access to health services,” Mr Provest told Parliament.

“I propose to join with colleagues on the other side of the House to push this matter.”