RED LEATHER
This is my blog: 3-4 posts a week for ongoing conversation about my work and issues of the day.

Had my first whiff of jasmine in Sydney last week, the koel bird is waking me up at 5am and it's no longer dark at 5pm . Welcome spring.

This week sees the return of the final session of parliament before the next state election. Since the last edition of Red Leather it has been an interesting time:

Last weeks meeting in Grafton was attended by local community members, Mayor Richie Williamson and representatives from the Wombah Residents Association.

The meeting commented very favourably on CountryLink staff at both the station and on board. The Mayor was very pleased that CountryLink has a strong presence in Grafton and have regional and crews based there.

The main issues raised included:

• The desire for a second bus to connect to the night train and tat would run through Illuka, Wombah and Maclean.

• The desire for some better connections from the Pinnacles and Copmanhurst

• the timing of the trains to get better access to Sydney and in particular Brisbane

The meeting in Lismore took place on a very wet and wild day on the north coast. There were representatives from the local community, Lismore Council,TOOT and the Social Development Organisation.

The main issue raised at the meeting was the desire to have the Casino - Murwillumbah rail line reopened. This discussion also touched on many issues associated with the need for integrated transport planning in the north east corner. Issues that were specifically mentioned:

• integrated transport plan being developed with funding from a range of sources

• the 40km rule and its impact on local travel and connectivity for local residents in and around Lismore

Yesterday's meeting in Port Macquarie was attended by 25 people from Port Macquarie and surrounds. It was a lively and constructive discussion about how CountryLink was working in their community.

If you would like to make further comments here please do - otherwise there is also the online survey. Thanks to those who came along. The good comments about staff and the service will be passed on to those who work in CountryLink. I'll examine all the issues raised to report to the Minister in September.

There was representation from Country Labor, the Independent Retirees Association, the Combined Pensioner and Superannuants Association, Regional Development Australia mid north coast, the local Probus club and community members.

There was a good roll up to the CountryLinkUp meeting held in Taree. It was great to hear again about the great work done by the staff of CountryLink. Singled out for praise were the station staff, on board staff and those working in the travel centres.

There was representation from the local Combined Pensioners and Superannuants association, local community groups and the general community.

If you would like to make further comments here please do - otherwise there is also the online survey. Thanks to those who came along yesterday to a very constructive meeting. The good comments about staff and the service will be passed on to those who work in CountryLink. I'll examine all the issues raised to report to the Minister in September.