NSW MLC Penny Sharpe was in the region to talk about Countrylink services today. Locals aired their frustrations about the lack of transport to and from basic services, particularly health

“I’m frustrated because they’re refusing to acknowledge what the community wants and needs. We’ve been telling them this for years, but they’re not listening. What’s the point of a GP clinic at Tweed Heads if I can't get there? Our lives are at a risk on the highway,” said Louise Doran, Ocean Shores resident.

The lack of rail - despite Justin Elliot’s 2004 election promise of $150 million - was at the core of the frustration.

Many were particularly frustrated to learn that Qld has received over a $1 billion in funding for their passenger rail, while the Northern Rivers has received nothing.

Several locals complained about the difficulty of using buses, 

- getting on and off buses

- ticketing problems

- the rule that disallows travel on CountryLink buses for less than 40km (eg Lismore to Byron isn’t allowed)

- environmental costs of buses

- poor time-tabling

- the high costs of the buses which have not been revealed.

Many pointed out that the population of this region is increasing and is ageing, so the need for public transport services will only increase.

“We’ve had costly workshops and reports that add nothing and are ignored - we need political will and targeted funding,” said Ms Karin Kolbe, President of TOOT.

 

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