Trains North have welcomed the news that the NSW Government has greenlit development of a new strategy that will lay out the pathway to a better regional rail network in NSW for passengers and freight.
Described as “a fresh approach to how rail infrastructure investment is determined”, the Regional Network East/West Uplift (RNEW) Program has been established to create a 10-year investment pipeline and strategic plan for rail infrastructure in regional NSW.
The RNEW Program will take a new look at where regional rail infrastructure investment is needed, while putting proper evidence-based decision making at the forefront of planning work and giving industry, the Government and the public a clear vision for the future of the network.
Through comprehensive data analysis, research into reliability and future capacity requirements, extensive evaluation of existing assets and wide-ranging consultation — the RNEW Program will ensure the NSW Government better understands, manages, forecasts and delivers upgrades to regional rail network.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the government is committed to providing rail networks across the state that are effective, efficient and reliable for all users – freight and passengers.
“The RNEW Program will allow us to better understand, manage, forecast, and deliver improvements on the state’s regional rail network, bringing projects under one banner to ensure a holistic and strategic approach.
“Regional communities have been calling for investment in rail infrastructure in the regions. This program will ensure any investment is made on the basis of robust planning and development to enrich our state.
“The program will enable the NSW Government to develop a long-term pipeline of infrastructure investment initiatives whilst being flexible and agile enough to address emerging network issues.”
The Program will also have a key focus on opportunities to improve the Country Regional Network (CRN) which includes over 2,300 kilometres of operational rail lines and is vital for transporting 2.7 billion gross tonnes of freight annually and delivering more than 120 passenger services per week.
Linkages between the broader regional rail network and existing projects such as Inland Rail, the Freight Policy Reform and Regional Level Crossing programs will also be explored by the Program team, with potential efficiency improvements to be identified and considered.
Once developed, the final investment strategy will complement Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans being developed across the nine regional areas in the state.
Local rail activist group Trains North, who have long been campaigning for rail services north of Armidale to be reinstated, have welcomed the news and say they are particularly pleased that the program will evaluate existing railway assets and involve widespread consultation among stakeholders.
“The railway through the Northern Tablelands was not preferred when a route for the North-South Rail Corridor from Melbourne to Brisbane was being selected in 2006, but it’s still valuable infrastructure and really must be considered as part of this new program,” Matthew Tierney, President of Trains North, said.
“The Main North Line is available both to serve the regional needs of New England and as a cross-border link into the Queensland rail network.”
The RNEW Program team will commence engagement with freight industry, rail operators and users, and local government will begin in 2025, with the final strategy to be delivered in 2026.
The new regional passenger train fleet is not expected to be in service until 2026, and Trains North are calling on the Government to keep open the possibility of extending the life of the existing Xplorer passenger trains well beyond that date so that trials of more frequent regional services can be made.
“The current model of only one passenger train per day to the inland centres will not do as the population of regional New South Wales grows. Now is the time to look to something better,” Mr Tierney said.
Top image: Matthew Tierney addressing a Trains North forum in Glen Innes (Caroline Chapman, supplied)
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