There cannot be second thoughts by Glen Innes residents about having the train service extended to their town. Only thing needed is to make up their mind,organise into a formidable train advocacy group, insist that the Mayor and Glen Innes Severn Council (GISC) lobby NSW Government to extend the service. Give reasons. Ask for the GNR line be re-activated for freight, passenger and heritage services.
Forget about the noise about a Cycling+Walking Trail. It is being backed by those who want to destroy the train line saying trains are not coming, they are too expensive, bridges broken down, etc. Cycling+Walking Trail proponents are quite happy to use those same bridges for cycling without repairs?
GISC needs to listen to Glen Innes rate payers and its residents more than the Armidale Mayor and Councillors. GISC should decide on Glen Innes matters independently, instead of following the rail trail dream being pushed by New England Rail Trail Association (NERT) and Armidale Regional Council (ARC).
A petition from Guyra residents seeking separation from ARC has been submitted to NSW Minister for Local Government. Examine the reasons. Examine the reasons why the NSW Govt ignored your transport needs for over 30 years? You don’t want to be left out from many benefits from an operational train service to the town, your children, parents, grandparents parents, as well as yourself, your farms and businesses.
Think about its usefulness when you are not well and cannot drive. You deserve a train service like people in Armidale, Tamworth, Qurindi, Werris Creek, Scone, Maitland, etc. Think about your children being able to go to school outside your town or your extended family being able to visit you in comfort.
These are real life matters, not only dreams. Your Mayor, Council, NSW and Federal MPs should be advocating for better transport services without leaving it in the hands of a few volunteers.
Come on Glen Innes! Pick up the phone to your Mayor and Councillors. Tell them to support the motion tabled by Cr. David Scott so that Glen Innes can have the best of both worlds.