BY OLIVIA DILLON
The corridor for a planned 30 kilometre rail freight link between Fassifern and Hexham has been confirmed by Transport for NSW.
It's hoped the future link, known as the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, will alleviate the region's rail congestion, while also better connecting the Port of Newcastle with regional NSW.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway, said said the route was developed in collaboration with 570 community members.
And, Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes, said he hopes the agreed-upon route will benefit both passengers and industry.
"It moves in a north-westerly direction at Fassifern and goes up behind Holmesville and through Minmi, then comes out at Hexham to join the line coming into Newcastle. Then, the line that goes west will eventually link to the inland rail that already links up to the northern line up to Brisbane," Mr Hawes said.
Mr Hawes added he also hopes community feedback will continue to shape the plans for the link.
"I have no doubt people out there will be concerned about the environmental impacts, but I'm hopeful that the process they will go through to get the approval before they construct will bear that in mind and mitigate those impacts."
 |
| The Lower Hunter Freight Corridor has been confirmed by Transport for NSW. |
