On Thursday 21 May a train action “Cuppa and Chat” meeting was held by AIAA President Judy Shelley and AIAA committee members in response to the Byron Shire Council decision in February to change their rail corridor policy from a policy of dual use (train and bikes) to bike track only.
As public transport is a vital community service, Judy firstly wanted to update all interested people regarding this urgent, disastrous issue which will see the train tracks destroyed once the Council secures the funding. The meeting also updated the audience about the degradation study and other important train-related matters.
Luckily on the day, we heard the news that the Council grant application for $42 Million was unsuccessful which gave everyone attending a great feeling of relief, however Mayor Sarah has publicly pledged her intention to keep trying to get bike track funding and remove the tracks. The point is that if that funding had come through the tracks would have been doomed.
The meeting was a Call to Arms to all supporters to launch a new campaign of action including petitions, letter-writing, market stalls, fund-raising and other activities to bring to light the dire situation faced under the current Byron Council policy.
The aim of this campaign is to request that Councillors return to the original dual-use policy and to request the state government to maintain the tracks in place. Letters were signed on that day and respected speakers shared their very deep knowledge of the need for the train and current train-related activities.
The gathering was firstly entertained by AIAA regular – the incredibly talented Lucy Gallant – international bohemian songstress who raised everyone’s spirits and got everyone singing along with protest songs “Rebel” and “It Starts with One” followed by a great panel of speakers ex-Councillors Cate Coorey and Richard Staples, NRRAG Leader Beth Shelley and NRRL Leader Lydia Kindred. Great refreshments were also provided including tea, coffee, cheese platter with a sandwiches and wraps platter. For more information: judybyronbay@yahoo.com