The upcoming NSW budget is expected to spell bad news for the future of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, but the fight to restore it is gaining momentum.

Northern Rivers Rail Group Trains On Our Tracks (TOOT) President Karin Kolbe said she was disappointed with the Premier’s responses to questions about funding for transport infrastructure when he met the press in Lismore last week.

“The calls for rail are increasing,” she said. “TOOT is enlisting support by the day, from environmental groups, employers, disability support groups and individuals”.

During his visit, the Premier was beaming as he officially opened Lismore Base Hospital’s new $38 million Mental Health unit. Mr Iemma boasted freely about his government’s commitment to improving mental health services in the region, describing Lismore’s service as “state-of-the-art” and “the best in Australia”. But when asked about a range of other important issues for Northern Rivers residents, he failed to provide clear answers.

Ms Kolbe thinks relief for local public transport commuters couldn’t come at a better time, but isn’t anticipating any favourable announcements on Tuesday.

“With petrol prices skyrocketing, in addition to Qantas’ announcement last week to reduce the number of flights to the Gold Coast, that’s bad news for tourism on the North Coast,” she said.”We have a line there waiting to be used with just a few minor repairs, that would increase mobility for tourists and locals and reduce greenhouse gases and freight services, leading to fewer trucks on local roads,” she said.

In Lismore, Mr Iemma dodged questions about budget funding for transport infrastructure in the region, asking the community to wait until next Tuesday, when the budget will be announced. When asked about the restoration of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, he pointed to a cross-border taskforce report, the results of which will be handed to state cabinet in “in a week or two. Then I’ll be in a position to release the report and announce what response there will be from government,” Mr Iemma said.

The report, compiled by the state government in partnership with the Queensland Government, looks at the possibility of a rail link between Queensland and the Tweed.

Ms Kolbe said the Premier’s consideration of future rail links is a step in the right direction.”I’ve seen drafts of the report. It looks at future links, we’re talking 20 or 30 years into the future, between the two states, that’s the top bit of New South Wales into Queensland.

“But it ignores the Casino to Murwillumbah line, and the needs of people living in the Northern Rivers,” she said. “We don’t have 20 years to wait. We need solutions now.”