On 3 March 2011 the NSW Government approved conditional expansion of the Port Kembla Outer Harbour, whilst acknowledging the capacity limitations of the existing Sydney to Wollongong line. More details are at:
(NOTE: for the full picture, including the concern of the Roads and Traffic Authority go to the Submissions Report and not just the Director Generals Report.)
As seen by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority even Stage 1 Port Kemba outer harbour traffic volumes (bulk, general and limited containers) (June 2010 submissions report) if the predicted rail mode share could not be achieved, there would be likely "… unacceptable impacts to road safety and traffic efficiency as well as environmental issues such as amenity, noise and air quality."
Quite clearly, it is either complete the Maldon Dombarton rail link or see many more heavy trucks on the Mt Ousley Road. With little or no improvement to Wollongong Sydney train services.
CARS NOT ON RAIL AND MORE COAL ON ROAD
It is a condition of consent that by December 2010 no less than 20 per cent of cars imported through Port Kembla are supposed to be moved by rail - so far, it appears, the percentage is zero.
Has anyone ever seen a train load of cars leaving Port Kembla?
Meantime, Gujarat NRE who own the former South Bulli mine are understood to be planning to lift coal production from 1 to 3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), with the addition coal to be moved on public roads.
In addition, Illawarra Coal owned by BHP Billiton has a long standing application 08-0150 with the NSW Department of Planning that includes more coal production from their Appin Mine Complex.
On Page 6 of Appendix K of the Environmental Assessment, it is noted that operations in 2007 resulted in the highest recent trucking movements (from the Appin Mine and Westcliff Colliery) was to PKCT (3.4 mtpa), Bluescope steelworks (1.9 mtpa), Corrimal/Coalcliff coke works (0.15 mtpa) and Dendrobium washery (0.4 mtpa). (A total of 5.85 mtpa)
Also noted on Page 6 of Appendix K is proposed coal transport levels, with trucking movements to PKCT (7.5 mtpa), Bluescope steelworks (4 mtpa) whilst Corrimal/Coalcliff coke works (0.2 mtpa) and Dendrobium washery (up to 0.5 mtpa).
This would give a massive increase from current levels to a total of 12.2 mtpa.
Most, if not all of this coal, would come down the Mt Ousley Road.
A CALL FOR FASTER PASSENGER TRAINS
Transport is an issue in the NSW State election to be held on 26 March, both in Sydney and Wollongong. This includes an Illawarra Transport Forum hosted on 23rd February 2011 by the Rail Tram Bus Union (RTBU) with MC Scott Macgregor.
Five years ago, the NSW State Government slowed down the South Coast passenger trains and they failed to speed them up last year with the revised timetable. This is simply not good enough, in view of the fact that 4,000 people commute to Sydney each week day.
The independent candidate for the Seat of Wollongong, Gordon Bradbery, has called for high speed trains and completion of the Maldon Dombarton link.
MALDON DOMBARTON SUBMISSIONS
The Federal Government received about 40 submissions in favour of completing the Maldon to Dombarton link. Of particular note was support expressed by several Councils outside of the Wollongong area, including Lithgow, Wollondilly, Marrackville and Sutherland. Plus the RTA.
All submissions may be viewed at:
http://www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au/publications/reports/Maldon_Dombarton_Submissions.aspx
WTC supports completion of this rail line for reasons including:
The project is one third completed already and will free up capacity on the Sydney Wollongong railway for more passenger trains.
Port Kembla expansion to date has already put more pressure on the Mt Ousley, Picton and other roads.
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