Re: Public Auction for Dorrigo Line

[Matthew Clements <mdc@netspace.net.au>]

David Bromage wrote:

> >The Glenreagh - Dorrigo Line is to be sold by public auction. A sales
> >contract is currently being drawn up by the State Rail Authority. The
> >date of the auction is not known at this stage.
>
> Without getting into a DSRM/GMR fight again, let's look at this in
> practical terms. Is there any group who could and would buy the line for
> anything other than scrap steel?
>
> Northern Rivers? Silverton?

1) There would have to be a pretty convincing economic argument for
Silverton to purchase this line.
2) If it did come on the market, Silverton would undertake a serious
examination of the possibilities of using the line.
3) It is more likely within the scope of the Northern Rivers Railroad than
Silverton.  If Northern Rivers was to bid for the line, Silverton would not
prejudice its share holding in Northern Rivers by bidding for it.

Silverton as a matter of principle is prepared to consider any proposal to
re-open a branch line, or re-instate/take over a short haul rail service.
We will not however run a rail service that is likely to be loss making.

Matthew.
--
Matthew Clements - Project Manager - The Silverton Tramway Company Limited
Phone: (03) 9592 1364
Fax: (03) 9593 2194
Email: mattc@silverton.net.au