Connecting the Community since 1876 AND WESTERN DISTRICTS ADVERTISER
Ph: (02) 6366 8017
THURSDAY 25 June 2020 Email: molongex@bigpond.net.au www.molongexpress.com.au
$2.00 inc gst
Getting Molong back on the tracks
M
olong cannot afford to sit back and miss out on an opportunity created by the NSW Government to restore passenger train services to country areas. The opportunity? In 2019 the NSW Government's Deputy Premier/ Nationals Leader John Barilaro announced a commitment of $2.8 billion to upgrade and improve the current services provided by the XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour passenger trains on rural NSW tracks. Last week members of the Orange Rail Action Group (ORAG) visited the Molong Railway Station to discuss with locals the opportunity to reopen the Molong Railway Station for passengers to embark/disembark. A contract has been signed for the $2.8 billion project to design, build and maintain the new regional rail fleet, including replacements for the XPT service. It includes the construction of the fleet, which will offer 10 regional intercity trains, nine short regional trains and 10 long regional trains, as well as the establishment of a rail maintenance facility. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance said the fleet would replace the current XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains. Mr Constance said he
expected the fleet to be progressively introduced from 2023. (Above) Marj Bollinger (Molong Advancement Group MAG), Cathy Farlow (MAG), Peter Bilenkij (Orange Rail Action Group ORAG), Robert Carroll (Molong resident), Kevin Beatty (Mayor of Cabonne/local farmer), Orange Rail Action Group members Geoff Bargwanna, Col Spicer. Phil Stevenson and Shane Austin. Page 5 The opportunities. What can you do to help?
Ground Master Plans go public
Cabonne Council will place the three draft Molong Recreational Ground Master Plans on 28 day exhibition seeking further public feedback. Council has collaborated with the Molong Advancement Group in the development of three master plans for the key recreational areas in Molong: the Molong Showground – Golf Club Precinct, Hunter Caldwell Precinct and the Doctor Ross Memorial Precinct (known as the Molong Rec). The planning process, facilitated by Sala4D consultants, included well attended workshops and consultation with key stakeholders, sporting associations and user groups. The draft plans have subsequently undergone additional consultation in their current forms with representatives from key user groups at workshops held on 9 June 2020 at the Council Chambers and 16 June 2020 at Molong RSL. Sala4D consultants also briefed Council on the draft plans at its last workshop held on 9 June 2020. Council and the Molong Advancement Group will now seek feedback and submissions from the wider community with regard to the draft master plans and proposes to place them on public exhibition in line with Council’s Community Participation Plan.
NEXT WEEK
Special colour liftout with plans and discussion Newcrest & Orange360 $120k Staycation Giveaway! Win a $1,500 prize package including 2 nights accommodation, food and beverage vouchers PLUS $500 in Newcrest ‘Shop Orange’ dollars to spend at local retailers!
Enter at triplem.com.au or hit.com.au and be listening from June 9th for your chance to WIN!