Rail freight loop for Woy Woy?

A bi-directional rail freight loop will be built at Woy Woy as part of a $2 billion Auslink investment, if the Federal Labor Government sticks to an election promise.

A press release from the Labor party stated that this would help to "build a world-class freight network to boost productivity and jobs in Australia's biggest city".

It stated: "Federal Labor will separate the movement of people and freight, ease pressure on Cityrail and boost jobs".

It stated that it would also fund $840 million towards a dedicated freight rail track from North Strathfield to Gosford.

"Sydney, from North Strathfield to Hornsby and the Central Coast is suffering from congestion and conflict between passenger and freight rail services."

"Unless the problem is fixed, rail freight will not be able to expand and more freight will be forced on to already congested roads.

"Thousands of commuters from the Central Coast, Penrith and the Blue Mountains will be frustrated with longer journeys, more delays and less reliability.

"Federal Labor's plan to start moving now on a dedicated freight rail track from North Strathfield to Gosford is a win for Central Coast commuters and a win for business.

"Faster transit times of up to 30 minutes, fewer delays, higher reliability and more access for freight services will ease commuter frustration and deliver significant productivity benefits for business.

"Federal Labor's plan will move more freight on to rail instead of forcing it on to roads."

"This funding for Sydney is part of Federal Labor's commitment to focus its transport policy on Australia's national economic priorities - productivity gains in export supply chains and the general freight task, integrating land transport with ports, and easing urban congestion."

Shadow Transport Minister at the time, Martin Ferguson, was not available to provide more detail.

Press release, 19 Nov 2007 Martin Ferguson, Labor transport spokesman