SOR's Conditional Support for Glendale Station and Modal Interchange

MEDIA RELEASE - 23rd September 2004

The general meeting of Lower Hunter Save Our Rail held 6th September 2004, voted unanimously to support Lake Macquarie City Council's proposal for a new rail station and modal interchange at Glendale subject to the following three (3) conditions:

  1. The continued operation of heavy rail services to all four (4) stations of the Newcastle Line, i.e. Hamilton, Wickham, Civic & Newcastle.
  2. The inclusion of the rail overbridge linking Pennant St to Munibung Rd fundamental to bus route efficiencies via the interchange.
  3. That in the interest of operational rail efficiencies & optimal land usage, the development of a new Glendale rail station & interchange does not unduly restrict the future re-alignment of the rail line to the north (Glendale - Tickhole) & south (Glendale - Cockle Creek).

While not a condition of support for the Glendale interchange, it is considered the most appropriate final route of the Munibung Rd extension should be determined following evaluation of 'new' opportunities that may be available as a consequence of the closure of Pasminco's Cockle Creek works.

Save Our Rail have undertaken correspondence to inform Lower Hunter & other MP's both State & Federal, Councils & the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation, of our official position, including the Conditions of Support.

The correspondence includes:

  • A dot point summary outlining the reasons that underpin the Conditions of Support.
  • Request for support in obtaining funding for the ENTIRE Glendale proposal to enable the full community benefits to be realised.

A copy of the correspondence is provided for your convenience.

Save Our Rail will always campaign for the best transport outcomes for the region that will ultimately realise the maximum level of community benefit.

For further information, contact Save Our Rail representatives, details provided below.

President Joan Dawson; 7 Clyde Street, Stockton 2295; Ph: 0249 281 339
Secretary George Paris; 12 Northminster Way, Rathmines 2283; Ph 0249 754 845
Technical Officer Darrell Harris; 35 Alfred Street, Waratah 2298; Ph: 0249 602 164

Attachment - SOR Summary of Reasons to Support Glendale Interchange and Newcastle Heavy Rail

Condition 1 - The continued operation of heavy rail services to all four (4) stations of the Newcastle Line. I.E. Hamilton, Wickham, Civic & Newcastle.

  • Maintains direct links for rail journeys to key Newcastle CBD destinations which provide, employment, commercial, education, cultural, sport / recreational & entertainment facilities for the region.
  • Provide direct links for the increasing inner Newcastle residential population to the employment, commercial, sport / recreational & entertainment facilities in the vicinity of Glendale.
  • Promotes bi-directional rail travel utilising reserve capacity that exists on current rail services, increasing patronage on the Newcastle Line while also enhancing patronage of the new Glendale Station.

Condition 2 - The inclusion of the rail overbridge linking Pennant St to Munibung Rd fundamental to bus route efficiencies via the interchange.

  • Can substantially reduce current bus route service times, generating operating costs savings and promoting increased patronage & fare box revenues.
  • Provides opportunity to develop new more direct, faster & less costly bus through routes that efficiently link population areas with key destinations.
  • Substantially increases the effective residential 'catchment' potential for the rail station & interchange.
  • Removes the need for buses to undertake inefficient 'backtrack' from both Glendale & Cardiff Industrial Estate which are currently effectively 'dead-ends'.
  • Removes the need for buses to undertake 'circuitous' routes through congested intersections to access entry points to Glendale & Cardiff Industrial Estate.

Condition 3 - That in the interest of transport operational efficiencies & optimal land usage, the development of a new Glendale rail station & interchange does not unduly restrict the future re-alignment of the rail line to the north (Glendale - Tickhole) & south (Glendale - Cockle Creek).

  • Allows for possible future track straightening, reducing travel time, fuel consumption & future track maintenance.
  • Allows for future rail station development at more relevant & accessible locations.
  • Allows for possible future land use to 'straddle' the rail corridor, increasing accessibility to / from both sides of the line.