Ms. Kim Cross

A feasibility study for the State Government's Modified Light Rail proposal was a "waste of money" and likely to be a red herring, Maitland Save Our Rail president Kim Cross said.
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Ms Cross said it was still unclear what was intended in the proposal.

"What does light rail mean?"she said.

Its possible meanings were mostly opposed by the group, she said.
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This would increase travel time for commuters and be a waste of tax-payers' money, Ms Cross said.

Maitland SOR president Kim Cross said any plan that involved commuters changing from one form of transport to another was "not a good idea".
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"At the end of the day, any proposal has to maintain the convenience and accessibility of the inner city like heavy rail does now," Ms Cross said yesterday.

Maitland Save Our Rail president Kim Cross said the group would welcome Mr Debnam's promotion to the top job if his interest in the rail line continued.
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Ms Cross said the rail supporters were keen to see if his attitude changed once he gave up the transport portfolio.

"It could be a good thing (his election to Opposition Leader)," she said.
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Ms Cross said she suspected the Opposition had taken such a keen interest in the rail because of its likelihood as a major issue in the Maitland electorate during the 2007 election.

But the group was also pleased that NSW Premier Morris Iemma had also indicated he was "prepared to take another look at the issue".

Maitland Save Our Rail president Kim Cross said the group's members were pleased Mr Price had finally accepted an invitation to discuss their concerns about the rail line.
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"His position was that his decision has been made by Caucus, therefore he doesn't have a role to play," Ms Cross said.
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Ms Cross said her group would not give up its fight.

"We want to keep this issue alive in this electorate," she said.

FIGHTING: Maitland Save Our Rail chairperson Kim Cross with Newcastle University lecturer Martin Babakhan and East Maitland residents at a Save our Rail meeting.
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"Even though there are only 6000 people using the rail system (between Maitland and Newcastle) shutting off that relief valve would have an impact on the New England Highway," Maitland Save Our Rail chairperson Kim Cross said.

"For people travelling on the New England Highway, it could add 20 minutes to a round trip between Maitland and Newcastle."

Ms Cross said that fact alone made a proposal to terminate the Newcastle line at Broadmeadow an issue that also affected motorists, and not just commuters.

She said the people at the meeting remained committed to ensuring the line continued into Newcastle.
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Ms Cross said the group was expecting a decision by Christmas.

She said there was a range of reasons to retain the line, including environmental, social and economic factors.

Maitland Save Our Rail chairperson Kim Cross said the group's position against the closure of the lane remained unchanged - and members of the group and the community would demonstrate their opposition to a proposal to terminate the line at Broadmeadow.
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With a decision expected soon, Ms Cross said this was a final opportunity for Maitland commuters to join together to oppose the closure of the rail line.

She said she hoped people who had not attended a Save Our Rail event before would also attend the Saturday event.

"The forum will consider the impacts of the closure of the rail on Maitland - but will also look at the closure from a much broader perspective," Ms Cross said.
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Ms Cross said the rail line was the "backbone" of an improved and integrated transport system.

"It doesn't make any sense - economically, socially or environmentally - to get rid of the backbone of the transport system," she said.