| 22 Apr 2009: TOOT not prepared to settle for "Plan B" |
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Media Release - 22 Apr 2009
Northern Rivers Trains for the Future Inc. TOOT not prepared to settle for "Plan B" TOOT believes walking and cycling facilities are an important part of a sustainable transport network, but they are clearly not a substitute for trains. “We’ve looked at this proposal ("Plan-B") and are advised that it will cost a similar amount to returning a passenger train to the line. Consequently, whilst we applaud their passion for their project we don’t believe it’s a realistic alternative to new rail services that offer transport options for the entire community,” Karin Kolbe, president of TOOT, said. “We’re happy to discuss who can share the corridor, but we strongly reject the idea that bikes can replace rail as a serious transport option. I am a bike rider and I cycle to work most days. Yet to me the vision is to cycle to the rail station, and then take our bikes with us on the train. At our destination we then cycle the last section,” Ms Kolbe said. The north coast region already has no shortage of tourist attractions – what is needed is more sustainable and convenient transport options to get tourists to, from and around the region, so they don’t have to be stuck in their cars in traffic jams. “Local rail services will offer far superior benefits economically, environmentally, and socially. We know there are many more people who want to catch a train to the Gold Coast than there are who want to ride a bike or walk there,” Ms Kolbe said. The Lismore to Bangalow road is one of the most congested east-west roads in the state. Yet with a railline running next to it, clearly we will see regular passenger commuter services taking people to work and school. It would take a normal bike about 4 hours to cycle from Byron to Limsore - clearly not a daily commute. The only way to lessen our reliance on cars is to build a serious transpsort network. The backbone of a proper transport network is a rail service. One loaded train takes 8 kms of traffic off our busiest roads. The NSW Dept of Planning estimates that by 2020, the coastal strip from Coffs Harbour to Hervey Bay will have a quarter of Australia’s population. Youth, people with disabilities and anyone who cannot afford to run a car are very cut-off from employment, training, medical services and seeing loved ones. Transport is one of the areas that the Northern Rivers Social Development Council and NOROC have identified as a real problem in this area. The others include housing, youth and aged care services – all of which are linked to transport. An effective passenger rail service will lie at the heart of a regional sustainable transport network that offers a social good, in addition to its environmental and economic benefits. TOOT doesn't accept that Plan B is needed. There are examples of rail lines being reopened - here are three. Bairnsdale, Victoria, roughly 250km from Melbourne, had a gap of almost 11 years between trains. In 2004 services were reestablished; currently there are six trains daily. Closer to home, Armidale lost its train in 1990. After a huge public outcry the service was reinstated by the NSW government in 1993 and continues today. Thirdly, if we look just north of the border we see millions being spent on extending the line from Brisbane that currently stops at Robina. Currently the Qld government is building the line down to the next station at Reedy Creek, and the line will reach the Gold Coast airport. While this is a new line, there used to be a line from Brisbane all the way into Tweed (Bay Street). There were also stations at Southport, Kirra and Coolangatta. In 1961 the last train ran the Southport to Tweed section. At the time it was noted in the Courier Mail that there was a road running parallel to the rail. Today that road, though greatly widened, is struggling to cope with demand and once again there is investment in rail. Contact: Karin Kolbe 0411 594 599 02) 6680 8516 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
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