“CPSA opposes any legislation that allows rail lines to be ripped up without parliament’s approval” said CPSA Policy Coordinator, Charmaine Crowe.

“Currently, an Act of Parliament is required to remove a rail line. If this clause is taken away, rail lines across NSW are rendered vulnerable to being removed for whatever reason.” 

“Once a rail line is gone, there’s next to no chance of getting it back.”  

“For the NSW Government to make the argument that this is to satisfy the wishes of community groups wanting to replace disused rail lines with bicycle paths is beyond belief (SMH 14/09/2009). CPSA thinks it convenient that if this legislation is passed, the Newcastle rail line stands to be thrown into the hands of developers, despite community wishes for its retention.” 

“This alone only leaves CPSA to surmise that removal of train lines without parliament’s scrutiny is simply to benefit private developers.” 

“The Casino to Murwillumbah line’s future is thrown into jeopardy. The cessation of rail transport between Casino and Murwillumbah has been to the detriment of the elderly and less mobile, dependent on trains to get around. This bill may well spell the end of the line altogether.”  

“Rail is one of the cheapest and most environmentally sustainable forms of transport. Removal of rail lines flies in the face of supporting public transport and reducing carbon emissions.”  

“CPSA calls on NSW MPs to vote down this bill to save NSW’s rail.”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716