Closure of Newcastle branch railway proposed again
On Friday 6th June, the Minister stated that the Newcastle
branch railway might be closed as soon as August this year.
He wanted to hear from the public what they wanted on the
matter with submissions closing within one month.
Submissions should go to
<a href=mailto:workinggroup@premiers.nsw.gov.au>workinggroup@premiers.nsw.gov.au</a>.

The minister said that there were far too many empty buses
and trains running into Newcastle and something had to be
done.
The working group which has been set up to make a recommendation comprises:<ul>
<li>John Tate, Lord Mayor of Newcastle
<li>Hunter Business Chief Glenn Thornton
<li>Newcastle Trades Hall Council secretary Gary Kennedy
<li>Bill Dunbar from Premier's Dept.

</ul>
There are no commuter representatives on this working group.

APT understands that over 8000 passengers per weekday use the
line between Hamilton and Newcastle. APT cannot see how
removing the railway, which would connect the city with
the waterfront and presumably make much land available for
development, would rescue the struggling Newcastle
commercial centre.
APT also understands that many of the "empty" buses are merely
conveying their drivers to and from meal breaks.