The Federal Government’s review, released last week acknowledged the strong support that the councils of Blayney, Cowra, Young, Harden and Weddin provided for the initial Review and as a result the Cowra-Demondrille Line and the Cowra to Blayney Link were identified as having potential use other than just freight haulage.

These uses included the movement of containers and other non-grain traffic which enhances the economic growth in the area, including the existing and possible future development of intermodal container movements to and from the area.

Blayney Shire Mayor, Bruce Kingham, along with the mayors of the other councils has welcomed the findings of the review.

“It is pleasing that the initial review, which was undertaken to consider the grain freight issue, had the foresight to identify the Cowra to Blayney Link as having other viable economic uses outside the grain industry,” Cr Kingham said.

“A key recommendation from this Review is the recommendation that a further study be undertaken into these two lines and if the findings of the study identify that there is in fact an economic justification for the retention and reinstatement of some or all of the lines, then the lines be retained and stabilized.”

According to the review, if the results of the independent study indicate that there is economic justification for the retention of the lines then the cost to retain and stabilise them should be met by the NSW Government through a non-recoverable grant to the rail track manager.

If the results of the study do not indicate a viable case for retention, the lines will be closed.

Cr Kingham said that the Blayney Shire Council eagerly awaits the release of the consultants’ report in November, which has been commissioned by the five councils, to investigate the reinstatement of the Blayney-Demondrille rail line.