Nearly six years after the opening of Newcastle's six-stop light rail service, a community campaign is gaining momentum to extend the network beyond its current 2.7-kilometre route. Two local men, Logan Cross and Tom Weekes, are leading the effort, calling on the state government to link the light rail to key destinations such as the University of Newcastle, John Hunter Hospital, and Newcastle Airport.
Cross and Weekes, who moved to Newcastle from Tamworth for work, have joined the NSW Labor Party and have been discussing their vision with politicians. They report positive responses from Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, and NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully. According to Cross, Scully said he would back the proposal if it goes to Parliament.
The campaign was sparked by personal experiences with inadequate public transport. Cross recounted a night out for his 21st birthday, where he and friends struggled to get home due to cancelled Ubers and no late-night buses. He highlighted safety concerns for young people unable to find reliable transport. Weekes, a disability support worker, emphasized accessibility issues for clients who cannot drive, as well as difficulties faced by university students without cars.
The pair launched a petition this week and plan to gather signatures at a pop-up stall at Dixon Park beach. They hope to drive positive change through community effort, addressing what they see as unreliable bus services and limited transport options to suburbs like Blacksmiths and Swansea.
