Chairman of the Save the Great Northern Line Railway Group Rob Lenehan has questioned whether anyone really knows whether the Great Northern Railway is economically viable for reopening.
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Mr Lenehan says that, contrary to media reports, the state of the infrastructure between Armidale and Ben Lomond is in far better condition than the areas to the north.
“The rail itself was replaced with heavy gauge line prior to the termination of rail services,” Mr Lenehan said.
“So is it really worth removing all the line to risk so much future potential, bearing in mind there are huge parliamentary and legislative hurdles to overcome?
“What is the replacement cost if it is removed and is gone for good?”
As for weed and pest control, Mr Lenehan says that the current arrangements are working successfully with weed control, fencing maintenance and fire control safety issues all being addressed.
“This would be the most cost effective method, while in the future any establishment of a historic train would bring life to this northern part of the tablelands, as did the Great Northern when it opened up the New England.”
“Without the railway being established in 1884, the towns and villages such as Guyra may never have developed.
“The concern of many people at present was expressed graphically in the Guyra Weekly News, Wednesday, March 1, 1989 (see picture) with the caption “will the railway, that played such a significant role in the early development of Guyra, fade into non-existence?”
The Save The Great Northern Rail Group believe the reuse of the line is a distinct possibility whether it be for an historic rail journey adventure which could grow into a significant money generating tourist attraction or the reintroduction of a freight carrying alternative or public transport facility.
“The NERT proposal is very shallow and non-committal with no cost benefit analysis or detailed development intentions (eg removal of the rail line or the construction of a cycle way), Mr Lenehand said. “This could be a possible short term gain for a huge long term loss.”
“Our group is not opposed to the idea of a cycle track and never have been,” he added. “Our commitment is to the opposition to the removal of any rail line or infrastructure within the Great Northern Rail Line corridor.”
