Council to host High Speed Rail seminar
Wingecarribee Shire Council is to host a High Speed Rail and Freight Rail seminar on Tuesday 28 May 2013.
The seminar has been instigated following the release of the Federal Government’s High Speed Rail Study – Phase 2 report (www.infrastructure.gov.au/hsr), which details a possible route of a High Speed Rail (HSR) alignment between Brisbane and Melbourne. A limited number of stations are proposed outside of capital centres, including a station near Mittagong.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Juliet Arkwright said the meeting would look at the possible impacts – both positive and negative – that such a scheme could bring to the region.
“Council believes that a better understanding of the transport economics and compatibility with other modes of transport, like the Canberra Airport, would assist our Shire’s residents, other government bodies and private organisations in making informed submissions on the report,” Councillor Arkwright said.
Online feedback can be returned to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport no later than 30 June 2013 at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rail/trains/high_speed/form.aspx
“Other issues to be raised include the need to make better use of our existing rail facilities, particularly freight trains, which have the very real potential in helping to reduce the number of heavy vehicles from our Shire’s roads.”
Confirmed speakers for the seminar include:
• Mr Phil Potterton – Service Line Leader – Transport Strategy and Economics, GHD
• Mr Angus Taylor – Background in freight rail and agriculture
• Mr Noel McCann – Director Planning and Government Relations, Canberra Airport
• Mr Phil Allan – Director Policy and Advocacy, Australasian Railway Association
The free seminar will be held at the Moss Vale Services Club (corner Argyle Street and Yarrawa Street, Moss Vale) on Tuesday 28 May 2013 from 1pm to 4:30pm.
“The seminar is open to the general public,” Councillor Arkwright added. “Invitations will also be extended to our local members, neighbouring council representatives and business delegates.”
RSVP’s are required by Wednesday 22 May. Registrations can be made online at www.highspeedrail.eventbrite.com.au or by phoning (02) 4868 0761.
For further information contact Council’s Transportation Planning Engineer, Frank Iacono on phone (02) 4868 0888.