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Save the Rail
The proposal by GPT is flawed in that it hinges on the removal of the rail line to Wickham. Why does the line have to be truncated when it is claimed that it will be turned into a "green" corridor. What is the thrust of GPT's proposal and what sites are to be developed? The rail line provides a positive for the revitalisation of Newcastle CBD. Peopel should not have to travel to within 5 minutes of their destination and then change modes of transport. They simply will not do it and should not have to. As for the argument about trains running empty, all except one run at night or in the early hours of the day and are running into Newcastle from the Maintenance Centre or storage sidings. I believe the proposal by GPT is a furphy and is just another attempt by vested interests to get their way and ignore the needs and wishes of the people of Newcastle
Comment 1 22 Oct 2008, 10:36 AM
Speak for yourself judogazza45. The heavy rail has got to go. If you are under the delusion that heavy rail is perfectly utilised then get that mirror out and have a good look.
A mature city utilises interchage to improve accessibility. I go from Maitland to Newcastle via heavy rail for five years and am frustrated that i get off at civic and still have to walk 10minutes across town to get where i'm going. If i got off at Wickham and catch a free loop bus i get front door drop off to where i'm going. I do it and i want to do it. Its just a mind shift to get around and i believe this city will accept the very clear benefits in having a pedestrian friendly light rail shuttle connecting the city.
Comment 1.1 22 Oct 2008, 11:55 AM
We are all being very short sighted and ill informed. Do you realise the difference between Heavy and Light Rail? Light Rail is more often actually physically heavier than Heavy Rail. The only difference is the speed, access to the carriage and signalling. The current heavy rail could operate at slow speed with the corridor opened up? Though the best option is to make the developer sink the line and open up the whole area! If they want the land they can pay the cost!
Comment 1.1.1 22 Oct 2008, 1:28 PM
ORIGINAL POSTER & STARTER OF TOPIC SAID:
What is the thrust of GPT's proposal and what sites are to be developed?
END QUOTE
The earliest video of GPT shows the rail corridor as being some sort of corridor, with the Market Square to Queens Wharf footbridge, BUT
The third video by GPT shows that they want the land for themselves to put largish buildings on the existing transport corridor that WILL block views and access to the harbour. Their latest video was added only a few days ago, ie, after they showed their plans to the public.
Comment 1.1.1.1 25 Oct 2008, 2:01 PM
Here, here. At last the truth is coming out. GPT are finally acknowledging they want the land for development. So much for their green corridor. No money for light rail, trolley buses or indeed any other form of public transport. Open your eyes anti rail lobbyists and see the truth for yourselves.
Comment 1.1.1.1.1 5 Nov 2008, 12:30 PM
What's your hang-up with development and developers?? If you live in a dwelling it was created as a result of some type of development, whether you (or your parents or grandparents) built your place or not!! Just think, if there had been no developers you would be sheltering in a gunya, or under palm leaves!! get a life and think a little more positively and life will be brighter for you!
Comment 1.1.1.2 25 Oct 2008, 3:33 PM
A look at the GPT website shows in the "Concept" section they are acknowledging the CBD has been dying since the 60's. That just happens to coincide with the development of suburban shopping complexes. Is that too hard too hard to comprehend?
Comment 1.1.1.2.1 5 Nov 2008, 12:33 PM
So let's try and reshape it. Understand that the heavy rail has been irrelevant since the 1960's. What is your opinion of the Council increasing parking fees as they have since the NSW Government gave them the revenue from it.
Comment 1.1.2 22 Oct 2008, 6:21 PM
Agree. Buses are the only green solution and it is useless to contemplate any other mode for Broadmeadow to Newcastle. The line should be converted to a combination public transport fast bus (and maybe taxi) corridor, together with cycleway.
Comment 1.1.3 22 Oct 2008, 6:24 PM
This same claptrap was shovelled out in 1999 by the pro-heavy-railers and the Rail unions. contact Howard Dick and margaret Henry for the prety pictures presented to a city hall audience of mainly Labor party branch members and rail unionists. Nothing will change because the union broke their promises.
Comment 1.1.3.1 25 Oct 2008, 3:35 PM
What promises did the unions make? Ever seen a developer keep all of the promises they have made? NO!! Look at the GPT Charlestown project and see what is happening there. Fraught with problems.
Comment 1.1.3.1.1 5 Nov 2008, 12:35 PM
Ask Howard Dick and Margaret Henry and the Rail union.
What's your hang-up with development and developers?? If you live in a dwelling it was created as a result of some type of development, whether you (or your parents or grandparents) built your place or not!! Just think, if there had been no developers you would be sheltering in a gunya, or under palm leaves!! get a life and think a little more positively and life will be brighter for you!
Comment 1.2 23 Oct 2008, 2:31 PM
Who is to say you will have a free loop bus. The developer? They will provide nothing outside what they want to make their money. They would be relying on the state government to provide it. You must work a long way away from the line if you have to walk 10 minutes and who is to say a bus would take you there. We need to cut back on our imagination and realise what we would get in return. Why do the current buses not service the city better?
Comment 1.3 25 Oct 2008, 2:55 PM
Whats wrong with a 10 minute walk? Its a 10 minute walk from Hamilton to the Tighes Hill Tafe, from Warabrook to the Uni Auchmuty Library. Plug in your headphones and enjoy the walk.
Comment 1.4 26 Oct 2008, 9:54 PM
I wonder who keeps removing all the comments and by what criteria, can it be a coincidence that only the pro-rail comments seem to disappear.
Comment 1.5 26 Oct 2008, 9:56 PM
People have said they have not been consulted on the future of public transport in the Hunter. Save Our Rail holds a meeting open to the public every month as it has done for the last five years, commencing at 5.30 pm at the Hamilton Station Hotel every first Wednesday of the month. The meeting takes motions from financial members who can vote on what actions Save Our Rail takes next. Does Honeysuckle Corporation, HBC,GPT or the Herald hold a similar democratic community forum? Honesty is such a terrible weapon.
Comment 1.5.1 5 Nov 2008, 12:54 PM
Desideratum, it's not a desiderata to attend the Save Our Rail Soiree and I expect that any attempts to put rational and balanced arguments to this group would be futile.
Comment 1.6 6 Nov 2008, 7:31 PM
You are making comments about things that have not been said. I did not say it was perfectly utilised. As for your walk, if you alight at Civic and have to walk, then how will any other form of transport, travelling on the same corridor or along Hunter Street get you any closer?? We are looking at only a few metres difference here.
Comment 2 8 Nov 2008, 3:31 PM
Hi im Shane Forrest. I live at Denman in the Upper Hunter. Removel of the rail line into Newcastle is a bad idea. I catch the train at Muswellbrook and I can stay in that ONE seat with out moving. All the way to Newcastle city center where everything is within walking distance to beach,shopping,doctors,etc.When I go christmas shopping I end up with lots of bags. I dont like the idea of squashing onto buses, into taxis and getting in and out of one seat into another with arms full of parcels and damaging my things.When I catch the train more…