LOCAL RAIL WILL SUFFER UNDER LABOR

The Labor party has absolutely no plan for the future transport of grain after it was revealed the Government has deferred funding for much needed upgrades to local rail lines which are essential to getting grain to export markets, NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash said. Under questioning during Senate Estimates, it was revealed $65 million in funding allocated by the previous Coalition Government to upgrade the Cootamundra to Parkes rail line would be deferred, with Labor refusing to spend the money on the line until at least mid-2009. “It was clear from the hearing that Labor has no clue when it comes to the needs of our rural and regional communities,” Senator Nash said. “Once again, we have a classic case of Labor slashing much needed funding from the bush, to splash around in the cities. Labor doesn’t seem to realise that the freight task is expected to double in the next 10 to 15 years and without the trains, the number of B-doubles on the road will soar, leading to country roads and bridges – many already in need of repair – crumbling under the increased load. “The lines have been allowed to fall apart under State Labor and now we have Federal Labor following the state’s appalling example of neglect when it comes to rural infrastructure. “When in office, the Federal Coalition recognised the need to spend money repairing the Coota to Parkes line and was prepared to do so this year, but Labor has pulled the pin on that plan; clearly they feel there are more important things to attend to. “I call on both Federal and State Labor to reveal their strategy for dealing with the next harvest. Crops are about to be sown and farmers need to know what the plan is for getting their goods to the export market.” Senator Nash said after one of the dominant grain carriers, Pacific National, announced it would cease to transport grain, it is now more important than ever Labor reveals their plans to fix the rail lines. “This is a matter of urgency and it’s simply extraordinary Labor postponed the funding given the current environment.” Media contact: Julie Siegert 0429 818 600

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