[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Greens MP: Boxing Day Closure of Newcastle Rail Line Is Deeply Disappointing (NSW Greens)

[Matthew Hilton]

Media Release
03.07.14
Greens MP: Boxing Day Closure of Newcastle Rail Line Is Deeply Disappointing

Greens MP and Transport spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has called the NSW government's decision to permanently close the Newcastle rail line on Boxing Day 2014 deeply disappointing and a matter of "taking out the trash" in the holiday season.
"Last December, we saw the government announce the short-listed light rail routes practically on Christmas eve<http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/light-rail-transport-newcastle-city-surf>. This year, the people of the Hunter will have their vital rail service shut down while many are away or otherwise off work.
"It's clear that the government times these events around the holiday season so there is minimal public outcry and media exposure of the change. It really reveals how little respect they have for the Hunter.
"What's more, the government's plan for the proposed removal is woefully inadequate. The trains will stop, the shuttle buses will start, and we'll eventually get an inferior, replacement light rail line at some undetermined point in the future.
"I ask the Transport Minister again: for whom is the government cutting the rail line?"
"We simply don't have any answers. That's why I have a motion before the NSW Upper House that would establish an Inquiry into the evidence behind the removal of the rail line."
Media contact:
Matt Hilton 0423 106 247
More information:
Media report: Newcastle Herald, "Newcastle rail line to be cut on Boxing Day": http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2391470/newcastle-rail-line-to-be-cut-on-boxing-day-poll/?cs=303
Opinion piece: Mehreen Faruqi, "Heavy rail removal serves precious few": http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2243645/opinion-heavy-rail-removal-serves-precious-few/?cs=308#sthash.ELdlinVp.dpuf