| 1 June 2008: Tugun Bypass Signals Need For Upgraded Rail Network. |
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Media Release: 1 June 2008 Community concerns about the rapidly increasing cost of petrol and climate change make it essential that Federal and State governments fast track upgrades to rail infrastructure in the Northern Rivers and cross border regions say TOOT campaigners. TOOT Spokesperson, Basil Cameron said today, 'Completion of the Tugun Bypass brings the total money spent on the Pacific Highway corridor from Tweed to Byron since 2000 to $1.000,000,000.' 'At the same time, $0 has been spent upgrading or building commuter rail infrastructure through the Pacific Highway corridor, despite the fact that it is one of the fastest growing urban corridors in the country.' 'Rapidly rising petrol prices are hurting people across the region and beginning to undermine the basis of our economy.' 'Cutbacks to air services and the lack of alternative transport systems are going to make even worse the recent declines in tourism numbers due to the increased cost of petrol.' 'Federal and State governments must urgently begin to rebalance funding towards rail.' 'Beginning work to immediately refurbish the Casino-Murwillumbah rail line and providing commuter rail services will help residents and businesses throughout the Casino-Gold Coast transport corridor to adapt to the increased costs of getting to work and doing business.' 'TOOT is also calling on the Federal and State governments to immediately begin planning for the construction of the 22 km of rail line required to link Murwillumbah with Coolangatta Airport in anticipation of the Queensland Rail extension that is expected to reach the border region within the next decade.' Contact Basil Cameron 02 6684 9107 0428 849 105 |
