When these mines close, it was assumed that SMR would also close. This may
not be the case. There has been a story (from very reliable sources)
implying that the line would be relayed to double track by Cessnock City
Council and Maitland City Council. The line would then be made available to
the Richmond Vale Railway Museum for tourist services.
I believe there may have been a mention of revenue passenger trains between
Cessnock and Maitland using 620/720 class diesel sets.
Any trains on the line would be hauled by RVRM locos, and most likely RVRM
crews. The RVRM locos would be serviced by Hunter Valley training Company at
East Greta Junction Loco Sheds.
As for Garbage trains, this was also mentioned...
For Sydney's rubbish to be hauled by road would mean one loaded semi-trailer
every two minutes, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a
year.
The people/residents of Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Weston, Neath, Abermain,
Caledonia and many other small communities DO NOT want this to happen.
To haul by rail from Sydney would be almost ideal. Perfect infact.
The site of the proposed dump (sorry..."Waste Management Centre") is
virtually right on top of the former Neath Coal Preparation Plant and
Colliery. This is well away from homes and major roads. Besides, I don't see
Neath expanding too much in the next 20 - 30 years.
The rail line into the site was still in place until recent years I believe,
and the Neath Signal Box was only closed around 18 months ago, with most of
the necessary safeworking equipment still available.
Basically what this means is:
- Full Time and Part Time Job creation
- Training for unemployed apprentices (Hunter Valley Training Co.)
- Preservation of one of the single most important and largest private
railway in NSW
- Expansion of RVRM
- Excellent tourist opportunities for the Hunter Valley (there is a
winery not far from the end of the line, with many more surrounding)
Any objections or ideas or reasons why it is impossible?
Cheers
Steve S.