The NSW Upper House passed amendments almost unanimously (35 FOR and only 2 against) to the ‘TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT (CLOSURE OF RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN ROSEWOOD AND TUMBARUMBA) BILL 2017’
The amendment was moved by the Hon. Mick Veitch MLC, a consistent advocate for rail trails in our state. It gained great support not only within the Labor Party but across the political spectrum.
We thank the Labor Party, Mick Veitch, Jodi McKay and Penny Sharpe for this important amendment which gets the process RIGHT for this and future rail trails, ensuring these valuable routes are retained in public ownership for generations to come. See the attached press release.
This outcome will restore the faith of many Rail Trail supporters around the State in our Parliamentary system. It demonstrates that multiple parties can deliver outcomes that will benefit the people of regional NSW and thus all the citizens of NSW.
Rail Trails for NSW also thanks the local member for Albury, Mr Greg Aplin (Lib) for his great support and work in helping bring the Tumba rail trail so close to fruition. We also thank the Government of NSW, for initiating and backing the pilot rail trail process. There have been many Government members, both Liberal and National Party, who’ve worked to bring it this far, including former Deputy Premier Stoner, current Deputy Premier Barilaro, Minister Constance and former Transport Minister now Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Special thanks to the former member for Ballina, Don Page.
Rail Trails must also acknowledge and thank The Christian Democrats, who have been consistent yet quiet achievers. Their practical advice, good counsel and assistance has been most appreciated and been a great help in bringing about this great outcome for the people of NSW.
We must also acknowledge and give great thanks to the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail team, their local council and all their supporters in and around the Tumbarumba district.
This is their success and it is no ‘overnight’ event. Several of the the Tumba to Rosewood team have been working to bring the rail trail into reality for almost 14 years! Congratulations.
And thank you dear supporter of NSW rail trails. There is still a long way to go and you can still help mightily,
by ensuring the Tumba to Rosewood rail trail is a great success and
by being active supporters of your local rail trail team wherever it is around this large and beautiful state.
