WILLIAMSON CONDEMNS DECISION TO AXE REGIONAL RAIL SERVICES AND JOBS

The NSW Nationals have launched a petition to stop the Minns Labor Government from axing the state’s only regional rail service provider and cutting more than 100 jobs.

of properties every time it rains.

There are obviously other issues as well, but unless a good clean was done of the drains after 2022, I can’t see how water is free-fowing through those pipes.

I have no doubt, other towns and villages on the Northern Rivers have the same problem. As I walk my dog around our village in the mornings, I think I will be paying much closer attention to how our drains behave, especially after a rain event.

I know we get pools of water out the front of our property but at least we have drains that will eventually take the water away, or it evaporates over the next stretch of sunny days.

In Broadwater, some properties don’t even have an open ditch out the front of their property and the water runs down their driveway and/or under their house.

Little steps

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The proposed merger of Sydney Trains and NSW Trains, announced by Transport Minister Jo Haylen, is tied to securing a pay increase for Sydney train drivers, adding an additional one per cent to their current deal.

Nationals Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson pictured, has condemned the decision, saying it has the potential to devastate communities in the Clarence electorate and is urging the community to support the petition.

“This decision will send shivers down the spines of many in our region, as both Grafton and Casino are train towns,” Mr Williamson said.

“NSW Trains employs a signifcant number of people in the Clarence electorate, and every job is so important in our community and the possibility of job cuts would be a big hit locally.

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Dave Layzell, also criticised the decision, launching an e-petition to urge the Minns Labor Government to reverse the plan.

“Our rail network in regional NSW operates very differently from Sydney. NSW Trains plays a vital role in ensuring regional services run smoothly,” Mr Layzell said.

“Labor created this industrial chaos and cutting yet another dedicated regional department and dozens of jobs is not the solution. The Minister for Regional Transport and Roads needs to stand up for regional workers and their families.”

Mr Williamson encouraged residents of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys, and all regional communities, to support the e-petition.

“This e-petition is vital to protect regional jobs and preserve the critical NSW Trains service.

I urge everyone who values regional rail to sign it today,” he said.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders echoed these concerns, warning of the long-term impact on regional families.

“This decision means direct job losses, and if I were a regional employee returning home tonight, I would be deeply worried,” Mr Saunders said.

The e-petition is available online, allowing concerned residents to voice their opposition to the Minns Labor Government’s plan and stand up for regional NSW rail services and jobs. To sign the e-petition visit: Scan the QR Code

TIM HOWARD

Clarence Valley residents have the chance to learn something of the complexities involved in bringing clean drinking water to their taps next month.

Community group

Yamba Community Action Network has convened a public meeting, asking Clarence Valley Council to bring resident up to date with the status of the region’s water infrastructure.

Council’s manager technical services