Northern Rivers Trains for the Future Inc. TOOT (Trains On Our Tracks) Campaign

MEDIA RELEASE: 22 Jun 2007

Cross-border taskforce 'a process to do nothing about fixing public transport in the Northern Rivers'

Background

In June 2006, the NSW and QLD governments announced a ‘Cross Border Transport Taskforce’ (CCTT) to improve transport co-ordination and investigate future rail links between Northern NSW and Queensland.

Prior to the state election the CCTT released a discussion paper and is due to respond to Ministers from both NSW and QLD by 30 June 2007. (Copy available at http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/publications/cross-border-discussion-paper.pdf)

TOOT has formally responded to the CCTT Discussion Paper. See here for a copy of the response (pdf).

The CCTT Discussion Paper argues for the following.

No development of existing rail infrastructure in NSW to improve transport services in the Northern Rivers.

No further development of rail in Northern NSW for at least 20 years.

TOOT Spokesperson, Basil Cameron said:

‘This is a process to do nothing about fixing public transport in the Northern Rivers for the next 20 years’

‘Our communities need solutions now’

‘Based on existing transport corridors, geography, current and future projected population growth within our region, the best solution is to use the existing rail line as the spine of an integrated transport system for our region’

‘The need to address climate change and the ever increasing cost of fossil fuels means that investment in trains for our region would provide the most sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits for our communities’

‘We are calling on all governments, Federal and State to co-operate and work with the community on delivering transport solutions to our region’.

Contact: Basil Cameron, Vice-President of NRTF, 0428 849 105, 02 6684 9107 www.toot.org.au