THE NSW Transport Minister has refused to reveal how much John Holland Rail was paid to look after the West Tamworth train station, which deteriorated to such a level the company applied to have it demolished.
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While various levels of government are investigating the station’s future, no one is taking responsibility for its derelict state.
When asked who was responsible for its maintenance, NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance pointed the finger at contractor John Holland, and said “the maintenance of this non-operational asset occurs in accordance with all relevant NSW government policies”.
Labor’s Tamworth spokesman Daniel Mookhey, who asked the question of Transport Minister Andrew Constance, said the response was a slap in the face to the community
“Tamworth wants to see its rail heritage preserved for future generations – if Minister Constance was listening, he’d know that and he’d be taking this issue a lot more seriously,” Mr Moohkey said.
“His government should announce a heritage preservation plan for West Tamworth Rail Station. Saying this is John Holland’s problem is another example of the buck-passing for which Minister Constance’s government is renowned.”
John Holland, who were contracted to do work on the station in 2013, did not answer The Leaders questions about when the last time maintenance was carried out or how much it was paid to look after the building.
“Despite efforts to repair the termite damage and damage caused by vandalism, the age and general condition of the building have meant these efforts have been unsuccessful,” a John Holland spokesperson said.
Cr Mark Rodda said given the station was owned by the state government, “the buck stops there”.
While the blame couldn’t be pinned solely on the current NSW Coalition government, due to the years of neglect that stretch back to the previous government, Cr Rodda said it was up to them to be part of the solution.
“They have a responsibility to come to the party, because it’s their infrastructure,” Cr Rodda said.
“If they can get the building up to a standard that could be used, I’m sure council could find community groups willing to occupy it and act as its custodians.
“That building is almost 140 years old. How it becomes a 200-year-old building will depend on the decisions the state government makes.”