MEDIA RELEASE: O'FARRELL MUST RULE OUT PRIVATISING COUNTRYLINK

MEDIA RELEASE Monday, 13 February 2012

O'FARRELL MUST RULE OUT PRIVATISING COUNTRYLINK
REGIONS FACE FARE INCREASES AND SERVICE CUTS

The NSW Labor Opposition has today demanded the O'Farrell Stoner Government rule out privatising CountryLink rail services to fund other projects in Sydney as part of its cost cutting review of RailCorp.

The O'Farrell Stoner Government is considering a report by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia that recommends the immediate sell off CountryLink to the private sector as part of its cost cutting review of RailCorp.

The report recommends:

The Government should immediately commence preparation and market soundings for the operation and maintenance of the CountryLink network.

"Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian needs to come out today and declare CountryLink is not for sale," Shadow Transport Minister, Penny Sharpe said.

"CountryLink is the only public transport connection for country people in NSW and carries two million people every year to 365 destinations in NSW and interstate.

"Privatising CountryLink could see fares increase and services cut for millions of country residents.

"CountryLink is an integral part of regional development and tourism across NSW.

"The O'Farrell Stoner Government will force people off rail and into the car if they go ahead with this disastrous plan to sell off CountryLink services."

Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Affairs, Mick Veitch said he was shocked the National Party would even allow such a plan to be considered.

"It is an absolute disgrace the National Party who purport to represent rural communities would even allow a plan to privatise CountryLink services to be considered," Mr Veitch said.

"This plan would literally cut off regional NSW from Sydney. The privatisation of CountryLink would be devastating for regional communities and the millions of rural residents who use the service to visit family and friends and attend medical appointments.

"The National Party should immediately rule out any support for the privatisation of CountryLink"