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'PM' hands over $182.5m north coast rail funding |
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 'Prime Minister Kevin Rudd' was in Bangalow today to give the Northern Rivers Community a cheque for $182.5 million. The infrastructure funds are for establishing a commuter rail service and a start on the link from NSW to QLD.
"This figure is half what the Gold Coast is getting for their light rail, but should get you back on track," 'Mr Rudd' said.
"The north coast has been neglected for too long and I plan to redress that, starting with this shovel-ready infrastructure investment, so money can be spent immediately to get people working and moving," he said.
“The link from NSW to QLD is true nation-building infrastructure,” said Ms Kolbe, President of TOOT, welcoming the announcement.
“The rail line is a vital asset for residents and visitors alike. Even if the state government's estimate of $150 million to restore the existing line is correct, and we think it is closer to the PriceWaterhouse Coopers estimate of only $30 million, there should be enough money left to build the missing link to Coolangatta, or at least make a good start,” she said.
"I'd just like to thank our federal members Justine Elliot and Janelle Saffin for making this happen," Ms Kolbe said.
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Five Truths about TOOT's proposals |
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TOOT’s proposes
- a light rail service of 16 trains per day on the existing Casino-Murwillumbah line
- extending the line 26 km from Murwillumbah to Coolangatta, where the QLD rail line will end in about 5 years.
Truth 1. It’s not expensive
Truth 2. People will use it
Truth 3. Good for tourism
Truth 4. It will reduce carbon emissions & protect us from peak oil
Truth 5. Train lines do get reopened
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Read more...
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Cross Border Report: Politics triumph over planning |
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28th April 2009: The Cross Border report saga resolved today with the release of the Cross Border report. After waiting 2 years Minister David Campbell released a 5 page report. The report
- doesnt address it own terms of reports
- doesnt even mention the 3 million+ tourists who visit here annually
- has the wrong population figures
- doesnt consider the costs benefits of any sort of trnasport system, yet draws the conculsion that more buses on opcngested roads is a solution.
Other groups around the region, including Northern Rivers Tourism, Northern Rivers Region of COuncils (NOROC) and Northern Rivers Social Development Council (NRSDC) all condemn the report.
"This report is so ridiculous that it has invigorated the campaign", said Karin Kolbe President of TOOT. "Thank you Minister for prompting several more people to contact me today to offer their support."
TOOT's Media Release
More information on the Cross Border report
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On Feb 25 we demonstrated to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that we are 'shovel ready'. The Federal Govt is looking for projects that will bring immediate benefits. We say the Casino-Murwillumbah line is the place to start.
See the press reports:
http://www.tweednews.com.au/story/2009/02/26/get-train-on-track-now-say-residents/
http://www.tweedecho.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1116&Itemid=538
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Two More Federal Inquiries |
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Two More Inquiries - February 2008
The Federal Parliament is conducting two more inquiries that are relevant to TOOT.
Inquiry into the investment of Commonwealth and State funds in public passenger transport infrastructure and services (due 28 Feb 2009)
This is a senate inquiry initiated by Senator Ludlam. Terms of reference etc
Inquiry into the impact of the global financial crisis on regional Australia (due 27 March 2009)
On 11 February 2009 the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, asked the Committee to inquire into and report on the impact of the global financial crisis on regional Australia. Terms of reference etc
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TOOT Submission to Infrastucture Australia |
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October 2008
Infrastructure Australia called for submissions on infrastructure projects.
TOOT's submission argues
- the road system on the Brisbane-Sydney corridor is congested, despite massive spending
- tourism in the region needs to be sensitive, in line with Tourism Australia's promotion of the area as The Green Cauldron
- a commuter service of frequent lighter rail cars on the line would serve the needs of residents and tourists
- planning should commence for a link between Murwlliumbah and Coolangatta airport
- climate change means using rail is smart.
Download the submission (PDF 370 KB)
Update 15 Dec 2008 -Last week's announcement for rail and road funding was not the Infrastructure Australia funding. Instead it was funding in light of the financial crisis. We expect the Infrastructure Australia announcement soon.
While TOOT welcomes funding for the Sydney-Brisbane rail line, we are disappointed that we need to wait a bit longer.
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TOOT - WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT |
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Northern Rivers Trains for the Future (NRTF) was formed in January 2003.
We want Trains on our Tracks (TOOT).
- a commuter service (2-car trains, several per day)
- the line extended to Queensland
- freight off the roads and on to rail
- an inter-regional service to Sydney.
The last train ran in May 2004.
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 Casino-Murwillumbah rail line & 'Missing Link' to Coolangatta |
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Federal Election Candidate Survey Responses |
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Before the Federal election we surveyed the candidates for Richmond and Page, asking their views on rail.
Read their answers
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