‘We’re not trying to build a utopia’ | Listen

District expected to receive five large projects over 40 years according to new plan

Owner of Grangers Freight Lines Peter Granger said Goulburn could become a major truck hub if more is done to integrate the district’s existing resources into the Draft Future Transport Strategy. 

“A lot of the country areas have been overlooked. There is greater concentration on the the city areas like Wollongong up to Newcastle,” he said.

“For example Goulburn has a great existing rail infrastructure and could be upgraded at cheaper cost than trying to build new infrastructure as they proposed.” 

For him, it is about utilising rail to move freight from the ports in Sydney. There are existing routes in the district that can accommodate to Transport for NSW’s vision, he said, if funding is provided. 

Currently, only five major long term projects have been proposed over the next 40 years, and a total of two smaller projects specific to the district. 

“By using rail Goulburn can become a freight centre, it also takes trucks out of the city areas and directs more country routes,” he said.

“I have drivers that go to Sydney everyday and it’s a nightmare. We need to make connections by rail and have faster trains to the country.” 

Mr Granger has called for a taskforce that connects different interested parties across state, council and businesses in the district, to push this message forward. 

“I think the local government need to get in touch with local business, and local business need to stand up and help other local business – because it impacts us all. It we don’t stand up, we’re not going to go ahead,” he said.

Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) community stakeholder manager Geoff Kettle said the presentation by Transport for NSW offered good points but neglected the urgency of high speed rail in the district.

CLARA, who has recently won the support of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Yass Valley Shire Council and Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council – and, Greater Shepparton Council and Strathbogie Shire Council in Victoria –  is full steam ahead for their $200 billion smart rail and cities project.

“The whole CLARA plan is about private funding with little government input,” Mr Kettle said.

“The plan not only about high speed rail but rail enabled population decentralisation. No one is having a serious conversation about population strategy.

“We need to commend the council for continuing to push Goulburn as a transport train hub.” 

Mr Kettle acknowledged the work by Transport for NSW, but described the future rail plans proposed as “a little bit disappointing”. 

“Goulburn is perfectly located for a freight hub. There is Chicago Freight using rolling stock and locomotives, plus also placing logs on train in Goulburn to go Port Botany,” he said.

Transport for NSW held a presentation in Goulburn on Tuesday night. The full draft report is available online.