Move train from towns

MOST people of Toowoomba do not realise that if they live close to the proposed inland rail line what a devastating difference it will make to their lives and even if they don’t.

The effects from the high-speed train will be unbearable. The size and length of the train will also multiply the noise and vibration making it sound like a earthquake every time it passes.

This train is initially being introduced as 1.6k long but they are building the line and planning on a train 3.2k’s long double stack travelling at breakneck speeds through our environment.

This train may be carrying coal, lithium, cattle, grain or industrial parts; in fact it could be carrying anything, even explosive chemicals or acids, who knows.

If this train leaks spills or derails it could be an ecological disaster. I do know I don’t want it near me.

It is not too late to investigate the procedures for having this train moved away from towns and villages and dwellings.

It can be repositioned to the west away from high population areas which would certainly make transporting farming products from the west more accessible to the hauliers, saving them miles on a trip to Toowoomba which is only a few hours to the port of Brisbane which will then entail the goods being double or triple handled to get to the port.

It has been suggested that Gladstone would be a much better port to transport these goods to after travelling through the west country.

Unfortunately it means that the minute amount of freight that can be flown out from Wellcamp Airport will have to be trucked to it.

This will involve such a small percentage of the total freight of the train it certainly would not be worth rerouting the “megatrain” for it.

So please, make your feeling known and write to our overpaid, underworked, scheming “public servants” and air your views on the threat to all of our health and livelihoods and pockets.

PAUL CLAPHAM, Toowoomba