We all know how it goes. State governments build light rail.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Only state governments have the funds to build this scale of infrastructure requiring hundreds of millions of dollars.
Therefore, the wisdom goes the extension to Newcastle's light rail will happen only when the business case is finalised, the government comes around to the conclusion it should happen, then the Treasurer has to find the money.
Construction might take another two years. The usual political opportunism causes the inevitable friction and the project probably takes another couple of years longer than it should.
What if there was another way?
In the US there are about 30 urban light rail systems. From my analysis, they have all been built and extended by the city authority. The US has a different approach to taxation and their cities raise taxes for services we in Australia would normally regard as a state responsibility, including police, education and health services.
In Australia, city councils may not be able to fund these mega projects, but they can show leadership and take ownership.
The first 2.7 kilometres of Newcastle's light rail was tough, controversial, political, delayed and, it is fair to say, probably only ever had minority support. The Liberal government always took the view the light rail was part of its ambition for urban renewal for Newcastle.
Now many of the detractors are demanding the light rail be extended. It is a good sign. But is a failure of leadership and vision.
Newcastle can continue to outsource its destiny to Sydney and the NSW Government. Or it might consider showing leadership.
Extending Newcastle's light rail won't go down a closed heavy rail corridor (and main street). It will inevitably pass through a maze of local streets and local infrastructure.
The City of Newcastle's role will be paramount. Rezonings may be required.
There will probably be changes to side roads, pavements, utilities, street lights, crossings, connectivity issues, serious impacts on local businesses and residents to name just a few of the issues. Local government can make or break these challenges.
In the early stages of the first 2.7 kilometres of light rail, the City of Newcastle wasn't a willing partner. That changed and council began to work with the state government to everyone's benefit. We even collaborated for improved urban amenity around the light rail.
What if the City of Newcastle took the lead on light rail extension? At least the master plan work, concepts and preliminary business case. Demonstrate to the state government the local infrastructure and planning issues can be managed. Prove there is powerful community and business support for a preferred route.
Local government is closer to the local issues. It won't be possible to show universal love and support, but put together the community consultation that will analyse positives and negatives.
At the moment, the council and state MPs want to leave all of this to the NSW Government. That is understandable because they are probably the hardest steps and that is the way it has always been done.
Hunter Development Corporation led by Michael Cassel showed us the construction phase of the project can be undertaken quickly and competently.
But you have to ask what is in it for the state government? Is it worth the battle? Can they be sure of a will for extension? Will city leaders be there when the going gets tough?
Newcastle can continue to outsource its destiny to Sydney and the NSW Government. Why break a habit of 200 years? Wait for the crumbs to fall.
Or it might consider showing leadership. Put together a group that can do the basics in planning a light rail extension. Test community and stakeholder support in a methodical way.
Even ask the state government for financial assistance to do this preliminary business case work (believe me it is cheaper to do it this way). Liaise with the federal government for more City Deals funding. Even investigate funding options.
That should take under a year. Then present a plan to the NSW Government.
If the state government perceives it is dealing with a united region and is being asked to assist with delivery and funding, I'll wager I'll be riding the light rail to Broadmeadow to watch a Knights finals game a decade earlier than the current trajectory.
