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Friday, April 22, 2022
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Narromine railway station branded ‘a shocker’ Trainload of tourists greeted to town with vandalism and graffiti By SHARON BONTHUYS NARROMINE’S nineteenth-century heritage railway station is far from its glory days and residents have branded it a disgrace. Social media reported on Monday that a disgusted local expressed concern about the state of the facility which greeted a trainload of tourists recently. The accompanying photos were sickening. Reaction from the community was swift – and justifiably – harsh. Residents condemned the vandalism and graffiti, the overflowing, unemptied rubbish bins, the unkempt weedstrewn platform, and evidence of unauthorised access to the station building. They also directed their anger at various organisations believed responsible for the station’s maintenance and upkeep, including Narromine Shire Council and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). As it turns out, the ARTC has overall responsibility for maintaining the Narromine railway station, and Narromine Shire Council is re-
sponsible for waste collection. A spokesperson for ARTC told the Narromine Star that civil staff regularly attend the site to ensure the safety and operation of the rail network, and during these visits the station is also monitored. “Upkeep of the grounds is regularly assessed and maintenance is carried out when required,” the spokesperson said. The station was last inspected by ARTC staff on April 13 and no damage was visible during this inspection, the spokesperson said. It seems incredible that the organisation operating the rail network and tasked with caring for and maintaining the heritage station built in 1882 has not addressed its deteriorating condition before now. “Narromine Station is a locally significant heritage asset and is currently maintained by ARTC. The upkeep of Narromine Station is a priority to ARTC,” the spokesperson told the Narromine Star on April 19. “Staff attended the site today to secure the property and will
Above: Would you wait for the bus in this shed? Right: The view from the waiting room through the ticket window to the office. PHOTOS: NARROMINE STAR. be on the ground tomorrow removing rubbish and clearing vegetation. Routine inspections will continue to be carried out to maintain the building and prevent trespassing,” the spokesperson said. Continued page 2
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