TOOT are very disappointed to hear that while the Gold Coast Light Rail project will get $365million, the Northern Rivers gets nothing for rail or public transport in the 2009 Federal Budget.

“We’ve provided survey and other evidence to show the viability and need for a commuter rail service on the Casino-Murwillumbah line. Community and business leaders in the community are supporting the proposal. So why have we been overlooked ?” asked Karin Kolbe President of TOOT.

“This budget is supposed to be creating jobs quickly. We could have jobs here in a few months. Construction of the Gold Coast rail will not start for years” she said.

There is almost no public transport on this area. Low-income people and youth will be forced to hitch.

Member for Page, Janelle Saffin, is talking about getting funding for a regional trnasport plan. “We would like to know more about how this proposal will move forward. What is the timetable ? When will we know the result ?” asked Ms Kolbe.

We’ve just waited three years for a five-page report from the NSW government. Yet the delivered report did not even address its own terms of reference. It also ignored the tourism industry and the area's rapid population growth. Clearly any new studies need to be timely and relevant.

TOOT calls on MPs Janelle Saffin and Justine Elliot to support the community’s call for 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