I echo the sentiment of fellow Elermore Vale resident, Andrew Fenwick ("Cessnock deserves a passenger train service", Letters, 23/10), in encouraging a serious investigation into reopening the Cessnock rail line to passenger services. I grew up with the privilege of Dungog's train services mentioned by Mr Fenwick, and so deeply appreciate the value of rail services in rural areas. I have signed the petition and encourage others to.
Coincidentally, I emailed the Department of Transport last week asking about the Cessnock line's future use and plans for its refurbishment/removal. This was spurred on by reading a 2021 blog piece by Lake Macquarie transport enthusiast Bryce Ham ('Not the end of the line for the South Maitland Railway' published online 12/03/21) where Mr Ham advocated for a potential eight stations along the spur, at Gillieston Heights, Kurri Kurri North (to serve Kurri Kurri TAFE), Kurri Kurri, Weston, Abermain, Neath, Aberdare, and finally Cessnock, with express services stopping at Maitland, Gillieston Heights, Kurri Kurri, and Cessnock. An example timetable was also provided.
