Wollongong Transport Coalition (WTC) commends the
Editorial of the Illawarra Mercury for 15 July:
“Our readers have made it loud and clear through the
columns of these pages as part of our Cut the Commute campaign”. For full
article click HERE
Wollongong Transport Coalition (WTC) would like to
thank the Lord Mayor and Councillors of Wollongong City Council who are
completing a six year term of office, and looks forward to working with the new
Council.
WTC also commends the unanimous motion passed by
Council on 29 May 2017 moved by Councillor Merrin and as amended as follows:
1. Given
the recently-released analysis of the economic, social and environmental
advantages to Wollongong of improving rail transport in the region, in
comparison to building the M1 Motorway in southern Sydney, Council write to
Local Members, the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, The Hon Andrew
Constance MP, and the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, The Hon Melinda
Pavey MP, requesting
a. that
public transport and freight rail options be included in the business case for
theM1 Motorway;
b. all
relevant information pertaining to the costs and benefits of rail improvements
in the Illawarra to be released to the public; and
c. advice
on how the Government will reduce rail travel times between Wollongong and
Sydney.
2. The
letters also outline
a. the
great opportunity the recently announced Federal Government National Rail
Program which has been designed specifically for Regional areas is for our
region;
b. the
assurance that Wollongong Council recognises the great opportunity for growth
to the Illawarra if the rail corridors linking Wollongong to other areas, such
as Sydney and South Western Sydney were developed to a standard that would
enable our rail infrastructure to meet the current demands and the future needs
of the area;
c. that
the recently-announced Federal funds for rail infrastructure would fit
perfectly, if they were achieved, into the future expected residential and
business needs for this region;
d. that
those funds would help to facilitate the completion of the long overdue and
much-needed revamp of the Illawarra rail line.
3. Council
ensure that these letters are prepared and sent as soon as possible.
