Minutes of the LRTC Meeting 24 May 2014 at Dubbo
LACHLAN REGIONAL TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held in Dubbo on Saturday May 24th 2014
The Chairman Maurice Simpson opened the meeting at 10:00am and welcomed everyone to the meeting especially those who had travelled considerable distance,
APOLOGIES: S Freudenstein (Mayor of Young), G Standen, L Ryan , M Foster, Lithgow City Council, G Hall, K Keith (Mayor of Parkes), C Coleman, B West (Mayor of Cowra), D Sommervaile, G Braddon, G Jones, J De Britt, H Mansfied and Ponie De Wet, It was moved J Hetherington seconded T Books that the apologies be accepted.
CARRIED.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:
Max Duffey circulated the minutes to representatives at the meeting. There was no business arising and it was moved G Bradbury seconded G Dunn. CARRIED.
SECRETARY’S REPORT:
Max Duffey presented his report saying that he had communication problems (his internet and pc was down for five weeks).
He circulated correspondence to the meeting for their perusal and possible comments.
It was moved J Hetherington seconded D Figliomeni. CARRIED.
TREAUSERS REPORT:
The Treasurers Report was presented by Dennis Hughes who explained that the income received was $2,626.57 and expenditure for the period was $1,200.81 giving a closing balance of $6,999.13. The majority of income came member fees and expenditure was predominately Secretary expenses and internet management fees
D Hughes also presented an invoice for Secretary expenses in the amount of $437.32. It was moved D Hughes seconded N. Milliken, CARRIED.
It was moved D Hughes seconded K Thrupp that the Secretary’s Report be accepted. CARRIED.
REPORTS:
Gordon Bradbury – Wollongong Council:
Connectivity of Dombarton completion is not in budget
SEATS organisation says Maldon-Dombarton doesn’t stack up.
Additional crossing loops are needed for Moss Vale line instead of sending them through the metropolitan network.
Gordon will be attending the Australian Local Government Conference in Canberra and will pass on letter from LRTC and make representations on behalf of LRTC.
Commented that the Great Western Highway is starting to deteriorate rapidly and rail is urgently needed.
At present the focus seems to be on Sydney metro and Badgerys Creek.
Dom Figliomeni – NSW Ports:
Dom was congratulated on being appointed CEO of NSW Ports with joint responsibility for Port Kembla and Botany.
He commented that there has been significant investment recently from a number of companies including Cargill and Sumitomo with interests in a grain facility.
He said that it best to consider access to the coast through Goulburn rather than the mountains
There will also be expansion into the transport of bulk fuels, oils, cement etc.
Dom commented that there is around 16,000 trucks using the Great Western Highway a day which pass through Blackheath.
He said NSW Ports was going well and continually expanding capacity.
Tony Madden – Harden Shire Council:
Said access to the coast would be much cheaper via Goulburn than the Blue Mountains
The Brisbane/Melbourne link doesn’t seem as important at present as domestically it isn’t as popular.
Ted Books – Hawkesbury
Looking at a six lane highway through the national park from the Hawkesbury to the M7. He said that the effects to the environment would have little impact as he has seen construction in other countries in Europe.
He passed around a photograph highlighting his proposal.
He said this would overcome problems with flooding as well.
Graham Dun - Cowra:
Graham also mentioned his proposal of a dual highway through the Blue Mountains. He said at present there is no advocacy group able to communicate with RMS.
He also said the grade would be 50m/1km or 5% grade.
Graham had a display of maps which was useful in explaining the options available and was a good discussion point.
He congratulated Hawkesbury and Wollongong for their attendance at the meeting.
Parkes Shire Council:
Parkes is looking at becoming the inland freight hub with around 2,500 movements a day and set to increase dramatically. One truck passes approximately every three minutes.
The highway is in disrepair and will continue to be as long as the movements experienced continue or increase into the future.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
M Sutherland: Suggested we approach representatives from
various departments and especially the Premiers Department which has an office in Dubbo to
attend our meeting. This would be an opportunity to provide feed back on our ideas.
D Figliomeni: The sale of electricity infrastructure would
provide an opportunity to invest in such projects. Our organisation needs to be ready to present their ideas that can be included in such projects.
The asset sales after the next state election would be a windfall and gives us an opportunity to act.
B Ryan: Said that Graincorp was closing several grain silos in all 100 out of 285 would be closing.
There was some discussion on this and said there would be an impact on farmers with increased transport costs as a result of less investment in grain facilities.
D Figliomeni: Suggested there might be private interest in the Maldon line but this will be reviewed once the report is released.
M Simpson: Said that there were three groups interested in the Blayney-Demondrille line. He attended a meeting in Cowra. Tenders will close on July 29th and at this stage no one is privy to any details.
It was moved Garry Braithwaite seconded Warwick Erwin that we put together a package with proposals that and be presented to the NSW Premier’s Department. CARRIED.
P Stenden: Said we need to look at the website and provide more information for members and the public.
Also provide meeting details and copies of minutes and agenda etc.
It needs to be more user friendly.
M Sutherland Commented on their idea of a mine development at Toongi. This is to be located south of Dubbo. It is expected that half a million tonnes per year would be transported
It would also possibly include input from Roger Fletcher and would also transport other products such as zircon and ceramics.
Three trains per week would use the line.
I Gray: Said that short haul would be a more than viable proposal and back loads etc would enhance the mine’s operations.
G Bradbury: Said that we need to look at the big picture and freight volumes which is the real issue.
Following general comment the meeting closed at noon and the next meeting will be held at Cowra on the 16th August 2014
…………………………………. …………………………….. Maurice Simpson Chairman Max Duffy Secretary