RANDOM INSIGHTS

7. Line truncation seen as the government's grand larceny

 

I am open to maintaining the existing rail line but am also open to the creation of a light rail option. And why not have the best of both worlds? But I raise the following points:

 

1: The Baird State Government has failed in its ability to sell its case for change for the revitalisation of Newcastle through truncating of the rail line .

 

2: The Baird State Government has acted underhandedly as revealed by the injunction court hearing. It has not been transparent with the residents of Newcastle. What else are they hiding?

 

3: The Baird State Government must now engage with all community's stakeholders, and deliver a consensus outcome which doesn't railroad one group's concerns to the benefit of other self-interest parties. It must genuinely listen to current and future users of the rail line.

 

4: The existing rail line did not cause the economic decline of Newcastle's CBD.The reason not too many people use the existing rail line is not because of the rail line per se, but because there is no real incentive to visit the CBD. A light rail will not revive its fortunes.

 

5: Investment in the CBD should not be dependent on truncating a rail line. No one has clearly articulated why this must be a prerequiste!

 

6: Once the new Law Courts is completed and the University of Newcastle increase its presence in the Civic locality, there will be increased patronage on the existing rail line.

 

7: We need to enhance the broader Newcastle and Hunter Region public transport system's connectivity, encourage public use through incentives, so as to reduce car congestion and pollution on the roads.

 

8: Will the revitalisation of the Newcastle CBD be at the expense of other regional shopping localities? Must ensure the overall economic growth of the local economy increases, rather than business and consumer spending shifting or being cannibalised from one locality to the detriment another.

 

9: ICAC has revealed behaviour which has led to resignations of our local State parliamentary members and Lord Mayor. Have decisions associated with the redevelopment of Newcastle been influenced by dishonest dealings between our elected representatievs and business/property developers

 

Newcastle Herald - 26 December 2014

5. Injunction bid to save Newcastle rail line

 

The 'injunction' option is what I raised on these pages back on 2 December, with a reply comment that it couldn't be done! The State Government has been duplicitous with the people of Newcastle and it's time the truth is revealed. 

 

Newcastle Herald - 18 December 2014

4. Business declares war over show holiday

 

Public Holidays should be meaningful and celebatory of something special for our community or society. I don't see Newcastle Show Day as worthy of a public holiday. We need to make it a day of significance which is embraced by all in our community.

 

Newcastle Herald - 9 December 2014

3. Baird has 'no mandate' to rip out rail line

 

Has anyone considered a court injunction to prevent the truncation from commencing on Boxing Day, until such time as due diligence is completed on the decisions associated with the rail line decision?

 

Newcastle Herald - 1 December 2014

1. ICAC: Tim Owen admits lying over Jeff McCloy money

 

Truly a sad and infamous day in Newcastle politics. Tim Owen and Andrew Cornwell have done the honourable thing and resigned. Lord Mayor McCloy must do the same.

 

Newcastle Herald - 12 August 2014