NSW PREMIER SAYS DECISION WHERE TO CUT RAIL LINE WILL BE ANNOUNCED BEFORE CHRISTMAS

New South Wales Premier Barry O’Farrell says he will make an announcement on where the Newcastle rail line will be cut before Christmas.

The Premier today revealed cabinet had made a decision before the close of parliament as he toured the new Service NSW centre in Newcastle.

A year ago the State Government announced its plans to cut the line at Wickham and fund light rail with proceeds from the sale of Newcastle Port.

But whether the transport hub will operate from Wickham or Broadmeadow is still undecided.

The Premier also had to defend the decision that only around 30% of the expected $1-billion dollar sale of the port will be spent in the region.