New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has applauded the upper house vote to rip up the heavy rail line into Newcastle, posting a message to Novocastrians on his Facebook page.
“A message to all Novocastrians:
Last night, in the face of opposition from those who stand against progress, we took a huge step forward in our effort to transform Newcastle. Legislation was passed through the upper house that finally allows us to help Newcastle unlock its potential as one of the best cities in the world.
I love Newcastle. The beaches. The harbour. The people. But for too long, Newcastle has been held back from reaching its potential, with the same old issues being debated for decades. There’s been lots of talk, but no action.
Those days are over.
I promised in the lead up to the election that we would not forget you and that we would keep our promises. And that is exactly what is happening.
Light rail is coming. And we are excited about cracking on and building it.
Revitalisation of the city is coming. Some of the best beaches in the world will soon be connected with one of the best harbours in the world.
Every time I visit Newcastle, I can feel the buzz. I can feel the optimism. The future is very bright and I’m excited to see the transformation of the city over the coming months and years.
I’d like to offer special thanks to Gladys Berejiklian and Bega (aka Andrew Constance MP) who have fought so hard for Newcastle and were instrumental in last night’s result.
We can now push on with building the light rail, and the future, that Newcastle deserves.
In many ways the story of Newcastle is the story of NSW – promises are being delivered on, challenges are being overcome, potential is being unlocked, and an incredible transformation is underway.”
