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THE push for electrification of the southern rail line has begun in earnest.
It follows on from representations by Southern Tablelands Rail Users Group (STRUG) to Goulburn Mulwaree Council as well as various other MPs along the southern rail corridor.
At its June 16 council meeting, Goulburn Mulwaree resolved to support STRUG’s initiative by preparing a supportive submission for the electrification of the Sydney to Canberra rail line.
“Now that the state election is over, we have an opportunity to push the proposal for funding to be included in the 2017-18 forward estimates,” STRUG President Greg Price said.
He said STRUG’s arguments for electrification were based on increasing populations along the rail corridor as well as environmental considerations.
“Along the rail corridor, councils are looking to double their population base over the next 20 years - so electrification will make it easier for them to do that because people moving into an area want good public transport,” Mr Price said.
“The electrification of passenger rail services are strong drivers of regional expansion.
“If one looks at places like Gosford, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast or South Coast it is apparent these regions have all experienced strong residential and economic growth driven by affordable housing and fast, frequent reliable and comfortable electric trains to Sydney.
“Electrification is also more climate friendly than having a lot of diesel trains running around.”
Mr Price said political will was building in support of electrification, but STRUG was hoping councils along the rail corridor would also put in a joint submission of support.
“Along with support from state MPs, the support of the local councils along the rail corridor is very important for the success of the project,” he said.
“A joint submission would have more weight. That said, we are very appreciative of the support that Goulburn Mulwaree Council has given us because Council’s support has meant we have credibility and access to certain people.”
Member of STRUG Cr Robin Saville told the June 16 council meeting that electrification was a “valid and achievable aim.”
“There is a definite campaign that says it’s possible and I remind people that there is a population of 400,000 in Canberra. That is not to be forgotten,” Cr Saville said.
Mayor Geoff Kettle agreed, saying the state government had “neglected” that figure.
He has asked that rail electrification be placed on the Canberra Region Joint Organisation of Council agenda, enabling a separate submission to government from that body.
Goulburn Mulwaree is a member of the Organisation.
Mr Price said STRUG is seeking further meetings Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Shire Councils as well as ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
They have already met with Member for Goulburn Pru Goward and Member for Wollondilly Jai Rowell and a meeting has been scheduled with Member for Monaro John Barilaro.
He said STRUG was still waiting for a meeting with NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance.
Ms Goward said on Tuesday she would be holding an imminent meeting with Transport Minister Andrew Constance, in which she would be raising the issues that came out of her meeting with STRUG representatives.
The next meeting of STRUG will be held at the Goulburn Workers Club on July 6 at 7.30pm, STRUG Member Jane Suttle will report on the results of the STRUG June planning session.
These results will help to determine STRUG’s priorities for the coming year.
The July meeting will also see membership renewals due. They cost $10 per year.
STRUG’s Annual General Meeting will be held on September 7 and only financial members will be eligible to vote.
