Glenreagh-Dorrigo Rail Line resolved.

["Infoman" <gmr@omni.com.au>]

Wed 2 December 1998
The Carr Government will offer the Glenreagh-Dorrigo rail line to two rail
heritage groups for the establishment
of tourism services, the Minister for Transport, Mr Carl Scully, and the
Member for Clarence, Mr Harry Woods, said today.
Mr Scully said two sections of the rail line between Glenreagh and Dorrigo
would be offered at the cost of $1 each
to the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum and the Glenreagh Mountain Railway.
"There has been considerable interest shown in establishing a tourist
railway on the line. However, the project has been
delayed too long by issues beyond the Government's control," Mr Scully said.
Mr Scully had earlier invited the three councils to prepare a submission to
establish a Railway Trust to manage the line.
"This new proposal offers a better solution as the parties most committed to
the tourist services will be responsible
for the operation of any future services on the line," Mr Scully said.
"I am pleased that both rail groups have entered into constructive
negotiations, and that all councils have committed
to the project by offering important assistance to both groups."
Mr Scully said Mr Woods and the Australian Holiday Coast Regional Chamber of
Commerce had both worked hard
to resolve the future of the rail line.
"The efforts of Harry Woods and the Australian Holiday Coast Regional
Chamber of Commerce have produced a great opportunity
to make things happen for the North Coast," Mr Scully said.
Mr Woods said a tourist rail service would make a big difference to
Glenreagh and Dorrigo.
"The proposal for a tourist rail service between Glenreagh and Dorrigo has
the support of the Ulmarra, Bellingen and Coffs Harbour
Councils and will provide an important boost to North Coast regional
development," Mr Woods said.
"Contracts of sale have been forwarded to both groups offering each a
section of the rail line. Three rail wagons will also be transferred to
share between the two groups."
Mr Woods said he would work with both rail groups to help resolve any
outstanding issues.
"Any remaining issues will be settled at a  meeting between the State Rail
Authority and both rail groups on Friday, 11th December, 1998," Mr Woods
said.
"The Government is not prepared to permit the delaying the development of
the project any longer. If this generous offer is not accepted the rail line
will be re-listed for auction.
"However, I expect that this proposal will produce two popular tourist
services on the North Coast."