Union Champions Return of Passenger Rail to Cessnock as Essential Regional Investment
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has officially endorsed the campaign to reintroduce passenger train services to Cessnock, declaring the initiative a critical move for commuters, local employment, and regional development. This union backing adds significant momentum to a proposal that has been gaining traction among business and community advocates in the Hunter.
A Practical Solution for a Growing Region
RTBU NSW secretary Toby Warnes described the restoration of rail services as a "no-brainer" that would alleviate road congestion, reduce travel times, and improve connectivity to employment hubs and essential services. "For decades, regional communities like Cessnock and the broader Hunter have been short-changed when it comes to public transport investment," Mr Warnes stated. He emphasised that this is not a far-fetched idea but a practical and affordable project with tangible daily benefits for residents.
According to research from the Train to Cessnock campaign, reinstating the service could cost less than $200 million. The union argues that this modest investment would yield transformative infrastructure for one of New South Wales' fastest-growing population centres.
Broader Economic and Environmental Reforms
Mr Warnes highlighted that reopening the rail line extends beyond mere transport improvements. "Reopening this line isn't just a transport project - it's economic reform, housing reform and environmental reform rolled into one," he explained. The union contends that with Cessnock and the Hunter region continuing to expand, the pressing question is not whether the state can afford to bring trains back, but whether it can afford not to proceed with this vital infrastructure.
Alignment with Regional Planning Priorities
The union's support follows a recommendation from Business Hunter for a state government investigation into the viability of passenger rail services to the coalfields. This aligns with the Committee for the Hunter's NSW Budget submission, which identified enhanced public transport as one of the Hunter's most urgent priorities.
Committee chief executive Alice Thompson noted that reopening the Cessnock rail line warrants proper examination, as it has been flagged as a short-term priority in the Hunter Strategic Regional Transport Plan. "Public transport operates as a network and the entire region faces high demand and a major investment backlog," Ms Thompson said. She stressed the need to assess Cessnock rail alongside other regional priorities to ensure investments are sequenced for maximum systemic benefit.
Ms Thompson added that the immediate focus should be on securing service improvements for existing infrastructure in growth areas like Cessnock and Maitland, while continuing evidence-based planning for future capacity, including the potential return of rail to Cessnock.
Government Response and Future Steps
A spokesperson for the Minister for Regional Transport and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison confirmed the government's commitment to boosting public transport usage in the Hunter, including rail services. The spokesperson referenced the Hunter Strategic Integrated Transport Plan, which outlines 49 priority actions across rail, roads, buses, and freight, including further investigation into passenger rail between Maitland and Cessnock.
The 2024 Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan also includes a recommendation to preserve opportunities for re-using mining infrastructure, such as the rail corridor, supporting the feasibility of the Train to Cessnock initiative.
