The peak industry body for rail, the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), has congratulated the NSW Coalition Government and continuing Premier Mike Baird after the party’s win of the state election on 28 March 2015.
Chief Executive Officer of the ARA, Bryan Nye OAM, said he was looking forward to continuing to work with the Baird Government on rolling out the major pieces of rail infrastructure underway and in the pipeline across Sydney and the state.
“Rail in Australia, in particular Sydney, is going through a renaissance; and with the growing demands on public transport networks and increase in population, it is critical that investment into new rolling stock, improved infrastructure and services continues,” said Mr Nye.
“Under the Baird Government’s leadership, the congested city of Sydney will continue to receive the vital infrastructure it needs to function efficiently as the nation’s economic powerhouse, with projects such as the second harbour rail crossing and the Western Sydney light rail project both part of the Government’s plan.
“Earlier this month, the ARA released Rail’s Key Election Platforms, outlining what was most important to the state’s freight operators, heavy and light passenger rail operators and manufacturers.
“I am pleased to see that many of the Baird Government’s election promises are in line with what industry has prioritised and I look forward to seeing many of these projects and policies come to fruition.
“I would like to reiterate the importance of stronger support from government for rail freight in NSW, in particular infrastructure investment for long and short haul rail in the state’s mining and agriculture industries and continuing the act on the commitments outlined in the NSW Freight and Ports Strategy.
“I hope that through this injection of funding into rail, we also see benefit brought to the local manufacturing industry with a strong focus on stimulating the local economy and in turn creating jobs and a stronger future for rail manufacturing in Australia,” Mr Nye concluded.
(Source: ARA)
