Restoration talks underway for Kandos to Gulgong rail line
The Kandos to Gulgong rail line is under consideration for renewal in order to supply coal to the Mt Piper Power Station, which generates 15% of our state’s power but has been hampered by low yields.
EnergyAustralia has revealed that Centennial Coal are seeking approval to allow coal to be hauled by road up until December, but long-term solutions are still needed to keep trucks off the roads and ensure the long-term viability of the plant.
A $500,000 feasibility study funded by the NSW Government is scheduled to commence this month.
Last month the RTBU issued a call for disused rail lines to be restored and repurposed to supply water and other resources to regional areas. The call came after Southern Shorthaul Railroad decided to cart water by rail to Centennial Coal’s Charbon and Airlie mines near Lithgow.
RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said it is crucial we preserve the state’s rail corridors so that services can be restored – whether to supply coal to struggling mines or water to our most drought-affected regions.