Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer has called for a daily commuter rail service between Griffith and Albury via Leeton – saying it would boost Riverina tourism while helping students and pensioners.
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His comments come after debate on a proposed daily train service between Wagga and Albury.
The service starting in Griffith would pass through Leeton and Narrandera before heading to Wagga and Albury.
Leeton mayor Paul Maytom said it seems like a good idea but the costs and benefits have to be considered.
“We need to look at the demand for a service such as this,” he said.
“If we are able to put forward a case with substance with numbers and costing to be in with a chance.”
Cr Maytom believes the plan would be able to benefit the region giving people easier access to bigger centres such as Albury and Wagga but doesn’t want it go the way of the Sydney service.
“Leeton used to have access to a regular service from the town up to Sydney by train,” he said.
“That was eventually cut back due to a lack of numbers issue and that’s a concern with this service as well. What we would like and what will actually happen depend on the case we put forward.”
Mr Fischer said the train could include high quality food boxes showcasing the MIA’s fresh produce, and be marketed as the “Griffith Gourmet Express” as a means of attracting tourists.
“A service departing Griffith at 7am and returning from Albury at 4pm would be ideal for students, and those travelling for medial appointments,” he said.
“It would benefit everyone, we’ve got the stations and rail lines there, it wouldn’t take a lot for this to go ahead.”
According to Mr Fischer the existing service between Griffith and Sydney could be scrapped, as this new daily service would allow commuters to link up with express services to major cities in Wagga.