Last train to nowhere

I have been meaning to blip this for ages  This is the view from the derelict Civic station and the grass is growing over what once was railway tracks.  An entry for Derelict Sunday. 

Let me explain.  The rail from Sydney used to finish at Newcastle Station.  About 15 months ago the State Government stopped it at Hamilton.  A distance of about 2 - 3 kilometres.   The tracks were removed, fences removed, roads opened and thorough-ways created to open the harbour to the other side of the railway, that is the Southern side.   On the Northern harbour side are newer developments, offices, cafes, restaurants, pubs, flats etc.  On the Southern side are older businesses and once a lot of empty shops and premises but now a more vibrant scene.  There was a huge controversy about rolling back the rail.  After all the Government rushed in after people had only deliberated about it for around 30 or 40 years.  Positively reckless and speedy.  A commuter from Dungog formed a community group "Save Our Rail".  They protested and were loudly heard.  They took the Government to Court and lost and then protested when they could not pay the costs.  It was my tax payers money that was used to successfully defend the action and generally costs follow the event.  But I digress.

In some ways I am sympathetic as it is good to have a rail from city to city and right into the centre of our city but therein lies the rub.  What is the centre of the city these days.  The ultimate benefit of opening the other side of Newie  up to the harbour I think in the end will outweigh the loss of the last few kilometres of rail.  In it's place will be a light rail and of course there is lots of controversy about that and just what they will do with the rail corridor.  Well I have gone on way too long on this matter and I will leave it there only to say I think we Novacastrians just love a good stoush.