A grassroots movement is gathering steam in Newcastle as residents push for the extension of the city's light rail network nearly six years after its initial launch.
Logan Cross and Tom Weekes, two recent arrivals from Tamworth, are spearheading a community campaign to expand the 2.7-kilometre service beyond its current six-stop route that primarily serves the city centre.
Driving Positive Change Through Community Action
The duo, who joined the NSW Labor Party earlier this year, are launching a petition this week calling for the light rail to reach key destinations including the University of Newcastle, John Hunter Hospital, and Newcastle Airport.
"We're just fed up with the public transport around here," Mr Cross told local media, expressing frustration that motivated their campaign for better connectivity.
The young activists have already gained political traction, meeting with Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery on Monday, November 10, and discussing their vision with Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp and NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully.
Addressing Safety and Accessibility Concerns
The push for expansion stems from personal experiences that highlight systemic transport issues. Mr Cross recently celebrated his 21st birthday in town but encountered significant difficulties getting home afterwards.
"I just turned 21 and we went out on the town and we couldn't get back home," he explained. "The Ubers kept on cancelling, and there were no buses running during the middle of the night."
He witnessed similar struggles affecting others, noting "there were a couple of girls also trying to get home, to Blacksmiths, and their Uber kept cancelling on them too."
Mr Weekes, who works as a disability support worker, emphasised the accessibility aspect of their campaign. "A lot of my clients can't drive, so this is for all of those people who don't drive, in terms of access," he said.
Political Support and Community Launch
The campaign has received encouraging responses from local politicians. Ms Hornery stated, "I am always supportive of better transport outcomes for our region and my electorate. I applaud the actions of our younger citizens taking initiatives to push for improvements to our public transport systems."
According to Mr Cross, Planning Minister Paul Scully "loves it" and has committed to backing the proposal if it reaches Parliament.
The petition will officially launch from a pop-up stall at Dixon Park beach, marking the beginning of what organisers hope will become a significant community-driven movement for transport improvement in the Newcastle region.
Mr Weekes highlighted additional concerns about current transport options, noting that "buses are unreliable, and too far apart, running only every hour" and that university students without cars face particular challenges travelling between campuses.
The campaign aims to address what organisers describe as both a safety issue and an accessibility problem affecting students, disabled residents, and anyone without reliable private transport options in the Newcastle area.
