Call for Rail Services for NSW's Biggest Residential Development
Date: 05-Feb-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Cessnock council unanimously moved to request the NSW Government provide increased passenger rail services if it approves any development in the massive Huntlee proposal at Branxton.
Cessnock Councillors heard from residents that there was a lack of rail services to enable people living in Branxton and Greta to get to work, access health services and attend Newcastle University. 700 signatures had been collected requesting more frequent passenger rail services than the four currently available each way per day.
Greens Councillor James Ryan told the meeting that despite the existence of the railway station at Branxton the Huntlee development was proposing to subsidise buses and not provide extra rail services. ‘Google estimates that Branxton is 57km from Newcastle and the trip takes 1 hour and 9 minutes. With those travel times the last thing we need is more traffic congestion. What we do need is increased passenger rail services.
Councillors also heard that the Huntlee proposal planned no road upgrades until 400 houses were developed and only minor upgrades until 1200 lots were developed.
Councillors were also told the amount of land set aside for conservation had been reduced and the amount of land included in Stage 1 for commercial development had increased by 16ha.
‘Cessnock Council is demanding the services that the NSW Government should have insisted on in the first place.' Councillor Ryan said ‘The Minister for Planning needs to ensure passenger rail services are an integral part of the massive Huntlee development if she ever approves it.'
James Ryan
0414 922 591
