Penny Sharpe's blog

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.

Yesterday the CountryLinkUp visited Wagga Wagga. Community members from Coolamon, Junee Wagga Wagga and surrounds came along to give feedback. Also in attendance was the Mayor of Junee, Lola Cummins and Councillor Ray Goodlass from Wagga Wagga Council.

There was again very good feedback about CountryLink staff in both Wagga Wagga and in Sydney. Particular comments related to the helpfulness of the staff and being flexible to assist passengers with special needs, There was very positive feedback about the $42 million refurbishment of the XPT and the comfortable, clean ride.

Issues raised by the meeting included:

• on time running and the impact on other connections