The Blayney to Cowra line has been silent for ten years, but Blayney mayor Scott Ferguson hopes a new report that has just begun on the state of the line, will be the impetus to see the line reopened.
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“We’ve been advocating for many years now the importance of the line being opened from Demondrille all the way to Blayney as we can see the importance of linking with the southern line that goes all the way to Melbourne,” he said.
The study has been commissioned by the four councils covered by the line including Blayney Shire, Cowra, Hilltops and Weddin.
Stuart Sutherland the Managing Director of Lycopodium Infrastructure, the company hired to complete the study, said that rail lines are a long-term asset and that the track was in fairly good condition.
“Much of the components are steel, so as I suspect it’s in reasonable condition and though there are parts that have washed away, that’s just some earthworks and some culverts,” he said.
The cost of reopening the line is part of the study, and some businesses along the line have already expressed an initial interest in utilising the service.
“It’s been a bit problematic with businesses committing until the line is open and operational costs are made known, but there has been a lot of positive feedback that if the line was open they would seriously consider using it,” Cr Ferguson said.
Cr Ferguson stated that the economic benefits are greater closer to Blayney.
“The interface between rail and road freight in Blayney would see a revitalisation of the Blayney Intermodal.”