DR JOE TABLES INLAND RAIL PETITION

The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has tabled a petition in parliament, calling for critical measures to mitigate the impact of Inland Rail on the city. 

More than 650 people signed the petition, reflecting growing community concerns about the impact of the project, during both the construction and operational phases. 

“Many people in our community are understandably worried that when Inland Rail is operational, with more than 20 double-stacked freight trains rolling through the city every day, a divide will be created between north and south,” Dr McGirr said. 

“I am very pleased that the Federal Government has committed $30 million to planning for a rail bypass of Wagga, which is in line with the petitioners’ concerns, and I hope the Federal Coalition takes the same stance. 

“But as the petitioners state, there will be a need for grade separation at the Bourke/Docker St level crossing to ensure traffic can flow effectively, and I will be advocating strongly for this measure to be taken.” 

As the signature contains more than 500 signatures, parliamentary rules require the government to provide a response within 35 days. 

Dr McGirr said the response would provide an opportunity to accelerate advocacy for the concerns of the petitioners which include the need for the bypass, grade separation, elevators on pedestrian bridges and a road safety audit addressing the reconstruction of the Edmonson St bridge. 

“Inland Rail will offer our region valuable economic opportunities and as nation-building infrastructure, will deliver a new way of moving freight for our farmers, manufacturers and logistics operators,” Dr McGirr said. 

“But it is essential that the project can deliver those benefits without taking a heavy toll on Wagga’s lifestyle, amenity, traffic movement and property values – so, quite simply, it needs to be done right. 

“I have been lobbying governments to begin planning for the bypass and to address the serious concerns for critical traffic problems at Bourke and Docker streets, so it is pleasing that the community is demanding action to resolve these problems through this petition. 

“I strongly urge the state and federal governments to listen to our community’s call and deliver an Inland Rail project that will not have negative effects on our city.”