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Disappointment at transport action plan

 

Cr Debra Wales has expressed disappointment at the State Government's recently announced Central Coast Transport Action Plan which completely ignores the Rawson Rd rail crossing.

"The elimination of the Rawson Rd rail crossing and the construction of the new rail underpass at the base of Bulls Hill are absolutely essential as part of the long term transport planning for the Peninsula," said Cr Wales.

"After attending the public meeting at the Everglades Country Club over the weekend, it was evident that residents of South Woy Woy are quite rightly concerned that there is absolutely no funding for this project.

"Further, the State Government seems to have completely ignored the issue as the Transport Action Plan makes no mention of the project whatsoever.

"It seems to have gone the same direction as the Very Fast Train. Nowhere.

"It's not that the State Government hasn't known about the issue.

"I remember quite distinctly at the last State Election that this was a big issue.

"It would appear that this is no longer a vote winner so it doesn't rate a mention in their transport planning."

Cr Wales said that the meeting was advised by Council's staff that any substantial action on the elimination of the Rawson Rd rail crossing was at least five years away.

"What was even more disturbing to me at the public meeting were comments that the State Government was planning to increase the size of freight trains using the Main Northern Rail line to 1.8km in length.

"That's double the current size," she said.

"Can you image the length of time that such a long freight train will take to pass through the Rawson Rd rail crossing?

"I am also very concerned at the noise impacts on local residents if this advice is truly correct.

"The fact remains, however, that the rail underpass will not eventuate unless the State Government provides the required funding.

"This seems unlikely if it doesn't even rate a mention in the Transport Action Plan."

Press release, August 12