Lachlan Regional Trnsport Committee Notes From Committee Meeting Held At Harden

LACHLAN REGIONAL TRANSPORT COMMITTEE NOTES FROM COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT HARDEN

14TH FEBRUARY 2015

Attendance: Total 15
Apologies: Total 15

Welcome from Cr John Horton Mayor of Harden Shire Council.
Correspondence In:

  • L Foley: Apology for Meeting

  • D Gay: Apology for Meeting

  • D Gay: Statement regarding reopening Blayney/Dombarton Line

  • E-Mail: Re John Holland sale to China of lines

Correspondence Out:

  • D Stewart: Dir of Transport

  • L Foley: Rail Corridors

  • A Taylor: Thanks for attending meeting

  • J Davis: LRTC support Orange City Council

  • G Berejiklian: Delayed Announcement of tenders Blayney/Dombarton Line

  • D Gay: Delayed Announcement of tenders Blayney/Dombarton Line

Council Reports: Cowra: Bill West reported that the parties who submitted tenders for the reinstatement of rail freight services on the Blayney-Demondrille line are still waiting for a decision from the State Government. For more info go to

(http://www.hardenexpress.com.au/story/2197012/opening-of-blayney-demondrille-rail-tenderwelcomed/)

Attention was drawn to the Central West Freight Study. For more info go to http://www.rdacentralwest.org.au/projects-services/nsw-central-west-freight-study/ This is a comprehensive study which reflects on many interests of the Lachlan Regional Transport Committee.

Some discussion about proposed rail trails focusing on the threat they may pose to keeping disused railway lines available for transport purposes, and the importance of ensure that these corridors remain intact.

Dubbo City: Mark Stacey reported on the State Government’s environmental assessment of a proposed zirconia mine. For more info go to. (http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/page/development-categories/mining--petroleum--- extractive-industries/mining/?action=view job&job id=5251) this project has substantial implications for transport in the Dubbo region, with large volumes of material to be moved at least initially by road. There is strong local interest in exploring rail freight options.

Other Reports: NSW Ports: Dom Figliomeni Reported further progress with the Quattro development. For more info go to. (http://www.quattroports.com.au/ which will become a significant element of the grain export industry. Dom is planning a series of ‘Key Customer Forums” in southern and western New South Wales.

Ian Gray: Commented on the Melbourne to Brisbane line and $300million has been put into it which includes double stacking.

P Laird: Reported on the closure of lines without the Act of Parliament re the Newcastle line

K Thrupp: Commented on a report by Troy Grant regarding air, road and rail in the Rail Digest Magazine. This article is well worth reading.

The Committee decided to accept the quote from Five Hours West to upgrade our web site.

The Committee sent a note of condolence to the family of Cr Penny of Forbes who recently passed away.

Next Meeting to be held at Parkes on the 23rd May 2015.

MinutesCristy Houghton