| 16 Mar 2009: Media Release - Anticipate release Cross Border Report |
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Media Release: 16 Mar 2009
TOOT anticipates release of Cross-Border Report
TOOT President Karin Kolbe commented, “For too long this report has been cited by state and federal politicians as the reason why no further discussions or planning could proceed. With its imminent release we can hopefully start to progress plans to revitalise this essential public transport infrastructure for the north coast. The population in northern NSW and southern Qld is increasing and clearly, essential transport links need to be planned now.” Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese said in a Media Release on Monday 9th March ‘We need to encourage more people out of their cars...’. (http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/March/AA066_2009.htm) Providing a commuter rail service on the north coast’s currently disused rail line would go a long way towards this goal. The federal Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics says the coastal strip from Sydney to Brisbane is going to come under increasing pressure. It is time to move passenger and freight transport back onto the rails. “Over 86% of the residents in Lismore and Byron Shires live with 5km of the railway line (ABS Census 2006). So clearly the Casino-Murwillumbah line is a vital asset for both tourists and residents to move around and access the resources of the area,” Ms Kolbe said. A coastal rail link between Qld and NSW will encourage tourism on both sides of the border. TOOT is calling for:
“TOOT is calling for all levels of government, on both side of the border, to work together and show leadership on this critical service for north coast residents,” Ms Kolbe said. BACKGROUND The Cross Border taskforce was established By the Ministry of Transport in Feb 2007. Many community groups, including the Northern Rivers Economic Devleopment Board, the Northern Rivers Social Development Council (NRSDC) and the Northern Region of Council (NOROC), as well as TOOT put in submissions, also citing concerns that the terms of reference were too narrow. See http://www.toot.org.au/content/view/85/55/ for - link to the Ministry of transport Task Force discussion paper - TOOT’s discussion paper and Needs Analysis of the area 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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