17 May 2013: Queensland: Support for freight rail the right thing to do

[ozbob]

Media release 17th May 2013



Queensland: Support for freight rail the right thing to do

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport passengers has welcomed the joint announcement by the Minister for Transport and Main Roads The Honourable Scott Emerson, and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry The Honourable John McVeigh, concerning rail upgrades on the Toowoomba range line and additional rail freight services (1).

Robert Dow, Spokesman for RAIL Back On Track said:

"Queensland has a substantial investment in the rail network. Rail was the transport lifeline that opened up the state."

"Moving bulk freight back to rail means less trucks on the roads.  Road damage and trauma is reduced. Rural Councils all over Queensland are reeling from costs and impacts of the constant road damage. Communities are grieving from the escalating human tragedy of road trauma - the deaths and injuries.

"Many citizens are increasingly terrified to drive on the damaged roads with constant massive trucks."

"Improving train capacity helps to lessen these impacts. It saves lives, it saves money, with lessened environmental impacts."

Reference:

1. http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/5/16/train-transport-package-a-win-for-rural-queensland

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track http://backontrack.org

[ozbob]

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