Letter published Bairnsdale Advertiser 17.5

  • Dear Sir,

    The importance of railways in a warming world – by far the most efficient form of transport and 4 to 5 times more efficient than road in terms of greenhouse gas emissions – is not generally realised. Bairnsdale needs the train.

    The letter from Deputy Premier Peter Ryan (BA 10.5) is barely an adequate response or apology for the train being shut down for 6 months. The railways need forward planning, effective and continuing maintenance and investment so that stoppages such as these do not occur.

    That these basic engineering principles are lacking in such an important public enterprise is obvious.

    Our local member Mr. Bull has the balance of power in the current parliament. Even a threat to use that power may mean we get the train back a bit quicker.

    Peter Gardner