Newcastle - Save our rail

[SurfRail]

He's worried about administrators?  He should be.

Let them in.  Let them go to town on the whole rotten edifice.

[colinw]

I am just blown away by the whole thing.  It appears that the mayor, who says the railway is killing the CBD, is actually sitting on property which lies derelict & unused in that CBD - he has a direct interest in the area and by owning a property which is boarded up & unused appears to be contributing to the decay.

How can this not be a major conflict of interest if not grounds for an investigation?

I thought QLD had problems, but it appears that NSW is completely broken.

The other thing that amazes me is that, outside of the Newcastle Herald (who have a strongly anti-rail editorial stance), there appears to be zero media interest. I have not seen a single article in SMH on this issue, for example.

[Stillwater]

The issue is not one of whether the NCC faces appointment of an administrator because of the debts it has racked up (which it hopes to reduce, presumably, by increased rate revenue from redeveloped land) but must now involve a reference to ICAC.

[ozbob]

The Last Winter - Newcastle rail line closure

[ghostryder]

I have recently come back from a second visit to Newcastle, the feelings about the closure are mixed many are angry that once again the Hunter gets a bum hand. It was recently announced that the final stage of the inner city bypass will be built about 50 years after it was first proposed i guess it was announced to try and sweeten the pot a little for the loss of train services to Newcastle. I made some observations whilst there, Parking fees were 6 Dollars for 30m and parking meters were in areas once never covered by meters. The area covered by Parking permits seems to have expanded. The Newcastle Uni were under the process of moving the law school to Newcastle.

The People of Newcastle are cynical specially after the construction of the Crown PLaza hotel right on the water front near where the Fishing Co-op and water police were, the Crown Plaza now blocks access to a large section of the waterfront ironically the same argument used by the those apposed to retaining the rail corridor about the rail corridor. Others are awaiting some pitiful excuse to be found for a reason not to build the light rail connection and watch the land be snapped up by greedy developers.

There is a growing feeling that the rail lines demise slated for Boxing Day 2014 should be held off for the next election which needs to be called by March 2015.

Scott

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Newcastle mayor Jeff McCloy quits before being pushed

Newcastle Herald --> ICAC: Greens put planning in spotlight


There is now a chance that justice and commonsense might just prevail and the rail is saved ..  I can smell the corruption being unraveled by #ICAC  here!

[colinw]

Was about to post this link, but I see you beat me to the punch.

My only comment is that all planning decisions affecting central Newcastle should be put on hold and re-evaluated.  That includes the ridiculous idea of terminating the heavy rail, only to replace it with a different form of rail.

I also note that proposed new developments in the Civic & CBD area will block the city off from the river far more effectively than the rail line ever would.  If the rail line is such a problem, then just sink or elevate it, or else build something useful over the top of it.

[ozbob]

The Star --> ICAC FALLOUT: Newcastle rail line truncation inquiry sought by state greens and Labor members

GREENS and Labor members of the State Parliament's upper house are pushing for an inquiry into the truncation of the Newcastle rail line, following evidence of alleged illegal donations presented at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Greens NSW MLC Mehreen Faruqi spent several hours with the community group Save Our Rail last Wednesday and was joined by Labor Perth MP Alannah MacTiernan.

Several state cabinet ministers have been replaced since the decision to truncate the rail was announced, and Newcastle MP Tim Owen and Charlestown MP Andrew Cornwell resigned shortly after taking the stand at ICAC hearings this month. Newcastle lord mayor Jeff McCloy also resigned ...

[ozbob]

http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/bus-run-every-10-minutes-revitalisation-newcastle-gets-underway

A bus to run every 10 minutes as revitalisation of Newcastle gets underway

Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today announced a fleet of modern and accessible buses will run every 10 minutes in the peak to connect with trains in Newcastle from Boxing Day 2014.

The closure of the heavy rail line on 26 December will allow work to begin on revitalising Newcastle – opening up the CBD, building a new state-of-the-art transport interchange at Wickham and a light rail network linking the CBD and the foreshore.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government was committed to delivering this vital project for the Hunter region and was working hard to make sure interim bus arrangements were as quick and convenient as possible.

"Customers will be able catch a bus every 10 minutes in the peak from sheltered bus stops at Hamilton, Wickham, Civic and Newcastle stations and Queens Wharf, connecting with every train service at Hamilton Station," Ms Berejiklian said.

"It is intended every customer will get a seat on a fleet of modern, fully-accessible, air-conditioned buses and that they can carry surfboards and other luggage on-board.

"We have worked hard to get the best outcome for customers and I am pleased to confirm that from 5 January, all trains will terminate at Hamilton Station and meet connecting buses – a big win for Maitland and Upper Hunter customers.

"During an interim period from 26 December to 5 January, trains will terminate at Broadmeadow while upgrades are completed at Hamilton Station. After 5 January, all trains will terminate at Hamilton, with buses taking customers to and from the CBD.

"We considered various options such as having trains terminating at both Hamilton and Broadmeadow, which meant customers would potentially have had to catch a bus to transfer between train services. It was important we did the work to minimise inconvenience for customers, and I am confident we now have the best solution."

The bus timetable will be integrated with the train timetable, and buses leaving Newcastle will leave about 25 minutes before the connecting train departs Hamilton. This will guarantee customers a smooth, hassle-free connection to their train service.

Whether using Opal or a paper ticket, travel on these buses will cost the same as if customers were catching the train. This means customers will only pay one fare that is the same as current train fares.

During major events such as New Year's Eve and January's Asian Cup football tournament there will be extra buses scheduled.

When the new Wickham interchange is complete in late-2016 replacement buses will connect with trains at Wickham until the light rail network is completed. 

Ms Berejiklian said constructing a new fully-accessible transport interchange at Wickham linking to the new light rail line will help re-connect the city with the foreshore and bring jobs, residents and visitors to the Newcastle city centre.

"We have planned the interim arrangements to minimise disruption and make it easy to move between trains and buses. We will also ensure there is plenty of room at Hamilton for taxis and cars to pick up and drop off customers," she said.

"The many benefits the new light rail and transport interchange will bring to customers and to the city of Newcastle will contribute to the essential revitalisation of the city."

21 October 2014

[#Metro]

I don't know if I really understand what Newcastle is trying to do. Rip out rails only to replace them along the same alignment as LRT? What a waste of time and money?!

[colinw]

What steams me up about this is that here we have a State Government ripping out perfectly good rail infrastructure, electrified only 3 decades ago, into the 2nd largest city in the state.  Only to spend a vast amount of money putting in something equivalent, but now enforcing a break of journey for both the intercity passengers and the local suburban runs from Maitland.

So, on the one had they are spending an absolute fortune putting heavy rail into places without rail (NWRL, SWRL), and at the same time, they are spending a further fortune ripping it out of the 2nd largest city in the state, and denying direct heavy rail access to an area with more population than that served by by the Cow Paddock Line (SWRL).

That both sides support it makes me question the integrity of the entire NSW political process - this is bordering on being Royal Commission material, surely there are hidden links to developers at play here (as we have already seen with the council scandals in Newcastle and Tweed Heads).

This is every bit as stupid and corrupt as the closure of Beenleigh to Southport was in 1964 - and look how much money it has cost us to eventually reverse that decision.

[SurfRail]

The interchange at Wickham is pointless.

If they were going to do it properly, it should have been to cut the electric service all the way back to Broadmeadow, but only when:

- Wires are erected to Maitland/Telarah to allow through service to Sydney (expresses) or Morriset etc (locals)
- Light rail is built from Broadmeadow to the CBD

and not before.

[ozbob]

Newcastle Herald --> Premier Mike Baird grilled on future of Newcastle rail line

[ghostryder]

This decision is gettign smellier by the minute, with both local MPs Cornwall and Owen resigning from parliament over corruption links with former Mayor of Newcastle Jeff McCloy.

Broadmeadow is a tight location to have as a terminus specially with the needs of the traveling public. Outside the local services and the services from Sydney to the Newcastle area you have six XPT services and two Explorer services passing through there, and not to mention a large amount of coal and general freight. 25km/h Speed limits from Adamstown to Woodville/Isilington Junction and the length of some of the trains impact on Platform 3 at Broadmeadow, and Broadmeadow only has 3 Platforms and room for more would require buying houses and resumption of land and major road reconstruction. Most instances freight is routed through Platform 3 and the north bound relief road. Railcorp since giving up operations of loco hauled trains have no interest in improving the speed limits unless pushed into doing so even then they will drag it out.

Broadmeadow yard is used as a stabling area for the likes of QUBE SSR and holding area for heritage services and other equipment. Storage is limited in the lower Hunter Both PN and Aurizon have or are building holding areas at Greta for PN and Hexham for Aurizon as plans for a fourth coal terminal get throw about. 

[ozbob]

NBN News --> CONCERNS HAMILTON TRAIN STATION WON'T COPE WITH MINI-INTERCHANGE

Hamilton Train Station will be used as an interim transport interchange, as the Baird Government works to cut Newcastle's heavy rail line over Christmas. But there are concerns the already-congested area simply won't cope.

[ghostryder]

Having seen Hamilton Station i agree this is going to be interesting, there are only two through tracks both are wired, there is no storage tracks and on the western end of the station is a Level Crossing. The Crossing can handle 4 tracks but two have since been lifted many years ago. The additional two tracks were part of the oil branch down to Hannell St. Granted the Endeavours and Hunter sets will be sent back to Broadmeadow, but it will be interesting to see how they juggle the extra sets which include those that run the Newcastle Gosford sector, interesting times ahead.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Push for increased train services in the Upper Hunter continues

[ghostryder]

As some of you will have seen i am and have been in Newcastle for the past 2 weeks, the feeling about the rail line is mixed still many would love to see a impartial inquiry as to the future of the line specially after the local member was forced to resign due to corruption claims.
parking is still very chaotic here is a sign i saw in Newcastle near the station.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sashmos_pics/15817381106/

these signs have been posted in many places, and the other thing i found is the fees per hour vary widely. starting at 1.50 and go up sharply pending the location. Parking is still and issue i heard one place had 4 car parks for 4000 people gonna be fun there.

[ozbob]

All Our Yesterdays - Newcastle Rail Line

[pandmaster]

Another appalling transport decision by the Coalition government in NSW. The monorail, despite high fares and being a one-way loop and being poorly integrated (e.g. on system maps of the rail network) always seemed well patronised on the many trips I took on it, yet they ripped up perfectly good infrastructure. Newcastle is exactly same. Maroochydore, Wollongong and Surfers Paradise would kill to have a rail service as good as Newcastle. I thought the days of ripping up perfectly good infrastructure (e.g. tram lines) were over in Australia, but it appears it lives on in NSW. As other posters have pointed out, this is the worst of all options (save for replacing the line with buses).

Regarding the media coverage: my father lives in Sydney and follows the media (especially politics and transport) and he did not know that the decision had finally been made to truncate the line until I read about it here and told him. The fact that the last services will be on Christmas Day reeks of the government sweeping it under the rug. If journos bother to report it, the people probably will not be watching the media on that day. Not many railfans will abandon their families to take the last service I imagine.

[SurfRail]

^ Hehe.  Surfers has a MUCH better rail service than anywhere in the Hunter now, and it is only going to get better...

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> NSW Premier Mike Baird says nothing will derail Newcastle rail line removal

Despite a government official's admissions at a parliamentary inquiry and further revelations about a key player's property interests, NSW Premier Mike Baird is adamant the Newcastle rail line removal will go ahead on December 26, writes Joanne McCarthy ...

[dancingmongoose]

Some long awaited common sense
NEWCASTLE City Council has formally changed its stance on the planned CBD rail project -> http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2756854/council-switches-track-on-rail-plan/?cs=12

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Removal of Newcastle rail line 'could be illegal', NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson says

[SurfRail]

They'll make it legal.

[ozbob]

Twitter

Newcastle Greens ‏@NewcastleGreens

Join us to #rallyfortherail this Sunday and #saveourrail

[ozbob]

Twitter

7News Yahoo!7 ‏@Y7News

'Newcastle rail plans not legal' - State opposition #auspol #nswpol http://yhoo.it/13iMz4r

[ozbob]

Twitter

Arwen ‏@ChameleonsTongu 5 minutes ago

Newcastle loves trains #rallyforrail #saveourrail

[ozbob]

Twitter

Bon Sens ‏@paddockbasha

Follow up/reinforce 2day's #rally4rail by personal email to Baird. It's easy http://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/contact-premier-new-south-wales ... @SaveOurRailNSW

[ozbob]

Twitter

Robert Dow ‏@Robert_Dow 2 minutes ago

. @mikebairdMP G'day Premier. Yesterday's turnout in #Newcastle is a clear message, save the rail line! No brainer #nswpol @SaveOurRailNSW

[ozbob]

Newcastle Herald --> Premier stands firm on rail decision despite largest protest rally to date

THOUSANDS of people from all points of the Hunter have demanded the state government scrap plans to truncate the city's rail line  next week.

The largest ever gathering of pro-rail supporters came together in Civic Park on Sunday in a last-ditch attempt to make their voices heard.

State Opposition Leader John Robertson, Victorian Greens senator Janet Rice, Awabakal deputy chairman Richard Green and Save Our Rail's Jean Dawson were among those who addressed the crowd.
In light of Sunday's rally, should the government go ahead with its plan to cut the rail on Boxing Day?

Mr Robertson said the state government had ''no legal basis'' to cut the rail and called on Premier Mike Baird to release any legal advice he may have been given that supports his decision.

''If Mike Baird wants to continue with this arrogant assault on public transport then it falls on him to release his legal advice that what he is doing is within the law,'' he said. Under the transport administration act, the government needs Parliament's authority to close a rail line, and Mr Robertson challenged the government to show the act of Parliament it would need to make the cut.

''Mike Baird has no electoral mandate to commit this act of vandalism and he has failed to seek the parliamentary authorisation necessary for a legal mandate,'' he said. Mr Baird chose not to respond to  Mr Robertson's comments.

''The best thing John Robertson can do for Newcastle now is simple – get out of the way,'' he said in a statement issued after the rally.

''We will be proceeding with our plans to revitalise Newcastle, which will turn the city into one of the jewels of the Asia-Pacific region.''

''Newcastle was paralysed by a lack of action under the former Labor Government – we will not make the same mistake.''

Mr Robertson told the Herald: ''When Mike Baird tells Labor to get out of the way, he is thumbing his nose at the community who have said 'hands off our rail line'.''

Mr Robertson said if Labor won the next state election,  it  would reinstate public transport to the CBD.

Several of those who attended reported that the trains running into Newcastle on Sunday were full.

After assembling in Pacific Park, the crowd marched through the mall towards Civic Park for more speeches.

Newcastle police estimated the crowd was about 2000, while rally organisers calculated the figure to be between  3500 and 4000.

Those marching chanted a variety of war cries ranging from ''Save our city; save our rail!'' to the more direct ''Don't cut the rail line!''

At Civic Park, Ms Dawson said Save Our Rail would not give up the fight  even after the rail line  has been cut. She said the group would take ''direct action'' against the decision if need be.

Members of the crowd said the train was their only practical transport option into the city from areas such as Dungog and Gosford, and it made living in the country without a car easier.

Colin Scott of the Australian Retailers Association said on Sunday afternoon that the event was ''really not significant enough to comment on''.

Gladys Berejiklian, state Minister for Transport and Minister for Hunter, said work on light rail infrastructure would begin in late 2015 and work on the interchange would begin ''right away''.

''The NSW Government is committed to transforming the Newcastle CBD and boosting jobs and the economy with high quality, modern transport infrastructure and services,'' she said.

''This issue has been debated for more than 20 years ...

''The heavy rail line will be truncated from 26 December – opening up the CBD to the foreshore.''

[ozbob]

Twitter

1233 ABC Newcastle ‏@1233newcastle 10 minutes ago

AUDIO: Thousands gather to protest rail truncation. Hear from @jrobertsonmp & protestors https://soundcloud.com/1233newcastle/thousands-gather-for-save-our-rail-rally-hear-from-protestors-and-oppn-leader-john-robertson ...

[pandmaster]

Newcastle Herald --> Premier stands firm on rail decision despite largest protest rally to date

At Civic Park, Ms Dawson said Save Our Rail would not give up the fight  even after the rail line  has been cut. She said the group would take ''direct action'' against the decision if need be.

Maybe some of us should head down there and chain ourselves to the track, masts, etc... 

Gladys Berejiklian, state Minister for Transport and Minister for Hunter, said work on light rail infrastructure would begin in late 2015 and work on the interchange would begin ''right away''.

Why is it taking so long to start constructing the light rail? I think the truncation is a terrible idea but they could at least manage it better. They could build the LR in the new alignment and when that is done they could close the line run buses for a few months while they convert the HR to LR and build the interchange before finally cutting the HR. They really do not care about providing decent PT to the people of the Hunter, just selling off this prime land to corrupt developers. It would not surprise me if the money "ran out" before LR construction can begin and is postponed indefinitely, making the "temporary" buses somewhat permanent.

[#Metro]

Why is it taking so long to start constructing the light rail? I think the truncation is a terrible idea but they could at least manage it better. They could build the LR in the new alignment and when that is done they could close the line run buses for a few months while they convert the HR to LR and build the interchange before finally cutting the HR. They really do not care about providing decent PT to the people of the Hunter, just selling off this prime land to corrupt developers. It would not surprise me if the money "ran out" before LR construction can begin and is postponed indefinitely, making the "temporary" buses somewhat permanent.

It is not even clear that LRT will work. Light Rail is expensive and so it is going to be short. Shorter services = not that many destinations = low patronage. Also, the utility of LRT will be dependant on the rail connection, which might not be that frequent (tried to find a timetable, no luck). Newcastle is not that dense like the GC either.

I think these 'temporary' buses might be permanent.

[SurfRail]

I remain extremely doubtful that:

(a) light rail will happen;

(b) even if it did, it would be worth it.

[verbatim9]

The Plan is to do the Merewether loop with light rail down Hunter St CBD, Darby Street Bar Beach, Merewether then back up Union St to Wickham. There is a lot of high density housing along that route and will create deserving patronage.

[pandmaster]

The Plan is to do the Merewether loop with light rail down Hunter St CBD, Darby Street Bar Beach, Merewether then back up Union St to Wickham. There is a lot of high density housing along that route and will create deserving patronage.

http://www.revitalisingnewcastle.com.au/downloads/file/homepagecontent/TfNSWNewcastleLightRailAlignment.jpg


It may be high density housing but they are already served by heavy rail. The light rail stage one (if ever built) will only serve a minuscule new area east of Newcastle Station. I think that the line is a bit obtrusive, but IMHO it should be put into a cutting rather than building light rail along a street alignment (if the benefits outweigh the costs, otherwise it is no big deal to leave as is). They can still sell the land off after that anyway.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Newcastle planning report finalised, urged to be released

The man heading up a parliamentary inquiry into controversial planning decisions in Newcastle says his report is damning of the government's moves to truncate the city's heavy rail line.

Christian Democrats leader and chairman of the inquiry Fred Nile says the committee has voted to release the report today, months earlier than expected, because the line is due to be cut on Boxing Day.

The New South Wales Opposition is arguing legislation must be passed before a rail line is removed or sold off.

Mr Nile said his report is currently with the Parliament, and he is urging it be released immediately.

"Our report, I think it is out today, has all the evidence in it and it's the most damning report of the government," he said.

"I certainly won't be a pin up boy for the government.

"We weren't to report until February, but because of the evidence we then voted on the committee to bring the whole report forward, urgently, before Boxing Day.

"We want to stop the government action, that's what the report will recommend - no truncation of the rail line."

[ozbob]

Twitter

Penny Sharpe ‏@PennySharpemlc 49 minutes ago

Standing with @SaveOurRailNSW as they get ready to lodge an injunction to stop the rip up of the rail line.



================

Best wishes for this!

[ozbob]

The Maitland Mercury --> Save Our Rail makes last-ditch legal move

SAVE Our Rail will lodge an application for an injunction in a last-ditch effort to stop the state government's truncation of Newcastle's heavy rail line on Boxing Day.

Report raises serious doubts over rail truncation process

The group's president, Joan Dawson, is expected to head to Sydney on Friday to file papers with the Supreme Court, seeking a hearing early next week for the injunction as part of a challenge to the government's stance that it doesn't need an act of Parliament to remove the heavy rail infrastructure.

The group  will pay for the action with funds raised for its campaign to stop the rail cut, and   will  be represented by barrister Shane Prince.

It will rely on the Transport Administration Act that says Parliament's authority is needed to close a rail line.

''A railway line is closed if the land concerned is sold or otherwise disposed of or the railway tracks and other works concerned are removed,'' the act states.

The government has said it does not believe it needs an act of Parliament ''at this stage'', depending on final plans for the soon-to-be vacant rail corridor land.

But Mrs Dawson said the group had advice this was contestable given the infrastructure was to be removed as well as train services ceasing, and that the government had indicated it would support development on the corridor land not needed for its light rail system.

''We wouldn't go ahead with this unless we thought we had a strong case,'' Mrs Dawson said.

Labor is publicly backing the test of the government's claims.

''I want to improve public transport, not remove it. "This is a Premier thumbing his nose at the law, the parliament and the Hunter community,''   leader John  Robertson said.

''A rail line provides the opportunity to build a world-class city and a connected region for the future.

"The fight to save the Newcastle rail line is only just beginning.''

A parliamentary inquiry has also called into question whether the government has the legal authority to remove the heavy rail infrastructure.

In its interim report issued on Thursday, the committee behind the inquiry said it had not received ''authoritative legal advice on this matter'' and was unable ''to draw a conclusion in this regard''.

But inquiry chairman and Christian Democrat MP Fred Nile has written to Premier Mike Baird asking for him to release any legal advice in the government's possession.

The government has said Newcastle City Council will have the final say on plans for the rail corridor land.