The defunct Maimuru to Demondrille rail line will re-open after Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay announced a $5 million investment by the NSW government at Young Train Station.
Seen as a major infrastructure boost in the region, the reinstatement of the 56 kilometre section of the Cowra line was met with applause by the good crowd in attendance.
Mr Gay joined Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson and Hilltops Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman to announce what will be part of the pilot program for the government’s $400 Million Fixing Country Rail program and has a scheduled completion time of 12 months.
Mr Gay said the project would have benefits not only Hilltops, but for a wider area also.
“The NSW Government is determined to shift more bulk freight on to railway lines to ensure we get produce from paddocks to ports as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Mr Gay said.
“The freight transport network is the backbone of country NSW and we need to improve its efficiency to take more freight off our local roads.
“I am the first minister in 20 years to be able to re-open a branch line which was closed.
“This announcement is the first stage of the program for the rail line between Cowra and Blayney.
“The projects announced will take 400,000 tonnes of grain off our roads and onto rail each year.
“It will provide greater efficiencies and greater safety for all our loved ones on our roads,” he said.
Hilltops Council Administrator Wendy Tuckerman believes the announcement is very exciting.
“There are plenty of opportunities for some exciting developments from this project,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“Our region can now make the most of some changing economies in the near future.
“It is a very exciting announcement,” she said.
The $5 Million is part of $14 Million invested across six projects to receive Fixing Country Rail pilot funding.
The funding will be allocated to Transport for NSW as the network owner for the Country Regional Network.
