Pacific National train drivers will lose their jobs as the Junee depot closes down in 2010. 42 local drivers, some with over 30 years service will either have to accept a redundancy or apply for a job with the company in their northern Queensland operations. Pacific National has not offered the drivers a transfer to Queensland meaning any drivers will need to move north at their own expense. 12 jobs will be relocated in Cootamundra until the end of the year before those positions become redundant. In future train drivers for Pacific National will be based in either Sydney or Melbourne, with Junee still being the change over point for drivers.

Greenethorpe

Greenethorpe ’s $1 Rent A Farmhouse Project aimed at bringing community minded families into the village as part of the Revive Greenethorpe Scheme has had a successful start with two families arriving to live in the community. The new residents are from very different parts of Australia, with one family from Tasmania and the other from western Sydney. Reviving Greenethorpe Committee member Danielle Allen said that both families had settled in well and have enjoyed the challenge of adjusting to country life. The committee received over 30 formal applications and is aiming to settle another four families in the district by the end of the

year.

Young

Local government representatives from Blayney, Cowra, Harden, Weddin and Young Shire Councils met with Murray Wilkinson from GrainCorp to discuss various aspects of the Blayney-Demondrille rail branch line. With the Federal Government due to release its Grain Freight review in the near future, this meeting demonstrated the willingness of organisations to work together to ensure viable rail branch lines can operate successfully in the future and relieve the pressure on country roads maintained by local Councils as grain is moved by large road transport vehicles.

Murrumburrah

The streetscape improvements for Albury Street between Lyons and Vernon Streets have been finalised and put on public display. The Harden Shire Council is keen to upgrade the main street of the town and further boost a significant tourism area for the local economy. Local business owners and residents have given their support to the proposal and are hoping that the upgrade will illustrate a vibrant, progressive and friendly community to the many travellers along the Burley Griffin Way. The Harden Shire Council will receive public submissions on the plans up to July 15.