Article: Rail discussions at Cowra

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Rail discussions at Cowra

Rail discussions at Cowra
23 Apr, 2012 02:51 PM

The Mayors and General Managers of Blayney, Cowra, Harden, Weddin and Young met in Cowra last week to discuss the progress of the re-opening of the Cowra rail lines.

"Since delivering the final report of the Ministerial Taskforce to the NSW Minister for Roads and Ports, the Hon Duncan Gay in February the councils have been working closely with NSW Trade and Investment to explore potential operating models and meet with potential investors for the lines," Mayor of Cowra, Cr Bill West said.

Mayor of Weddin Shire Maurice Simpson agreed stating: "The importance of this transport infrastructure can't be understated.

"The re-opening of these lines presents a strategic opportunity to mitigate rail traffic pressures between the Blue Mountains and Port Kembla along with the southern lines to Melbourne," Cr Simpson said.

The Cowra Lines Ministerial Taskforce was established to oversee the development of a business case for the recommencement of services on the Cowra Lines which were closed in 2007.

The rail lines are 200 kilometres long and run through the five council areas between Blayney and Demondrille (near Harden) and also between Koorawatha and Greenethorpe.

"While the local governments involved will benefit from economic development and jobs growth, the whole Central West NSW will also benefit," Cr Simpson said.

The Ministerial Taskforce will meet again on May 4, 2012 to discuss the business case to be put to the Minister for Roads and Ports.