The Illawarra Business Chamber wants a commitment for a $10 million plan to outline an overhaul of the South Coast rail line from both the State Coalition Government and Labor opposition prior to the March 25 state election.
IBC Executive Director Adam Zarth says the rail line was built largely in the late 1800’s and it simply can’t cope anymore.
Mr Zarth said, “Last week’s communications melt-down and last year’s continued shutdowns because of weather events isn’t just impacting commuters, but costs business big dollars as well.”
Mr Zarth said, “The Manildra group is a perfect example when they had to move all their freight to road transport during the weather events that knocked out the South Coast this time last year, and that was an enormous cost to them and of course all their suppliers.
“We need a plan for rail in our region that considers all the sorts of upgrades needed over the short, medium and longer term because the current situation is not right for commuters or for small or larger businesses who need to move freight, and they can’t so that when the rail line is down.”
Mr Zarth said, “If we get this across the line, in the next term of government we will see a plan for improvements to our rail links that will support business and the community alike, and we will know what’s coming because right now there isn’t a plan and we need to make sure that happens.”
Images: Newsroom and Rail Express
