URGENT UPDATE: Residents of Lithgow are demanding immediate action from state and federal governments to purchase a vacant railway yard that could transform local employment opportunities. The Lithgow Locomotive Workshop, known locally as “the loco,” has sat unused for over five years and is now at the center of a potential economic revival for this regional town.
The site, encompassing 11.6 hectares, was recently put up for sale by its owners, Pacific National. As the country pushes toward net zero emissions by 2050, fears are mounting about the future of local jobs, particularly as more than 1,000 positions tied to coal and power generation are expected to vanish within the next decade.
The Lithgow Council emphasizes that the impact of acquiring the loco would be monumental. “Lithgow is at a critical junction economically,” a spokesperson stated. “To secure a prosperous future, we need skilled, well-paying jobs and to attract new businesses to the region.” They highlighted that activating this dormant industrial land is crucial for the town’s economic stability.
Local resident and transport planner, Dr. Michelle Zeibots, expressed concern over the possibility of the loco being used for land banking. She insists that government ownership and leasing to viable rail manufacturing and engineering firms is essential. “We cannot allow another large area of our industrial land to remain vacant,” she urged, reflecting the community’s anxiety over the future.
The acquisition of the loco would not only provide jobs but also signal confidence from both state and federal governments in Lithgow as a potential economic hub, just two hours from Sydney. Residents are rallying for swift action, as the urgency for job creation intensifies in light of forthcoming coal industry closures.
As discussions unfold, all eyes are on the government’s response. Will they heed the community’s call and take decisive action to revitalize Lithgow’s economy? Time is of the essence as the town stands on the brink of significant change. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story, as Lithgow fights for its future.
