12/11/2009

Vigilance needed despite Labor’s Tweed rail backflip

“The arguments for North Coast rail are rock solid…”

The NSW Labor Government’s decision to withdraw legislation which would have allowed it sell off the Murwillumbah to Casino rail corridor is a win for the community, but vigilance is needed in case the Government attempts a backdoor sale, according to Tweed Nationals MP Geoff Provest.

“We have had a big win with this backflip, but when it comes to rail, Labor has a record of breaking promises,” Mr Provest said.

“They axed the line in May 2004 just weeks after promising it a 12-month reprieve and they are now so cash-strapped that another sale attempt would surprise no one.”

The MP said the Government had been forced into the humiliating back down after a strong campaign spearheaded by North Coast Nationals MPs and the TOOT train lobby group, culminating in a mass demonstration outside Parliament House in Sydney last month.

“We now need to convince the Government not only to re-open the line, but to start planning its extension to Coolangatta to meet up with the two rail systems being built on the Gold Coast.”

“The arguments for North Coast rail are rock solid in terms of the local economy, the environment, road safety, tourism and education.”

“The Rees Government needs to swallow some pride, get its head out of the sand and listen to local people on rail,” Mr Provest concluded.