Before the line can be reopened the state Government has asked for Councils to make a compelling business case.

The Councils known collectively as Blayney to Demondrille Alliance have commissioned a study to examine the costs of reopening the line.

The state Government has allocated $5 million dollars to the project.

Hilltops Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman said the alliance have been working on the reopening of the line for a number of years.  

“Since the announcement of the $5 million we have been engaging a number of stakeholders and identifying potential users of the line,” she said.

“During this process, we have reason to believe that the $5 million could go past Maimuru and give us some chance of securing the interest and commitment needed to reopen the line.  

“We believe that specialist rail consultants the Lycopodium Group can assist us in determining how far this $5 million spend will go and whether we can reach where we know we can make that business case.  It will also assist us in advocating for further monies to be allocated to realise the opening of the whole line.”

Mrs Tuckerman said the study should be completed by the Lycopodium Group by late March.

“The State Government has already set aside $5 million to reopen the 36km Demondrille to Maimuru section of the track, we’re asking the consultants to see how much extra if any, reopening the whole 200km would cost,” she said.

Cowra Mayor Councillor Bill West said the alliance has looked into re-opening the line in stages so as to build-up commercial demand.

“We believe there is a compelling commercial case for this line to reduce freight bottlenecks through the Blue Mountains to Port Kembla and Port Botany,” Cr West said. “Our view is that, ‘if you rebuild it, they will come!’ It’s time for the State Government to take a leap of faith on rural infrastructure for a change.

“Once the assessment has been completed, we will be taking it to the Minister for Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey and making the case for our part of the State to get some of the infrastructure spend in NSW.”

Cr West believes there will be many benefits for communities within the alliance if the line is reopened.

“The councils and their electorates remain resolute in pursuing the re-opening of the rail lines as they are a key to unlocking regional economic development for our communities,” he said.