18 months for this study which is following on from the pre feasibility study and then we anticipate a post feasibility study. Govt. can keep delaying the completion of this important rail line for ever and a day while consultants are kept at work and pay with all these studies. Dr.Laird has the facts and figures at his fingertips - simply STOP procrastinating. In the meantime, our roads get busier and busier and more accidents occur and more human lives are at risk.

how many studies can this area get....what a joke...I can just see this being a token promise in the upcoming state elections...... what is there to study, the previous reports are so big they need a committee formed to read them... BUILD THE DAMN THING NOW.

Man, this has been going on for generations....ridiculous handling by all levels of Gov't.....absolutely embarrassing.

This decision by the Fed Govt is of course a total waste of money and time. It is designed to get those voters who might vote other than Labor (and there are other choices) to change their vote on the basis that it would appear that the Fed Govt is finally going to finish this project, but most of us know that it will not happen. They are stringing us along again as before and before that and so it goes. I would assume that the rails layed so many years ago might not be servicable anymore. We are certainly in a quandry when deciding who to vote for, Labor is totally on the nose, Libs are no better, they have no policies, heaven help us all if the Greens have the balance of power. The future does look bleak politically.

GIVE THE ILLAWARRA THE MONEY AND WE'LL FINISH IT OURSELVES.

NOT ANOTHER BLOODY STUDY!

Yes, Gus, back to the days of Mr. Wonderful [Frank Arkell]

Just another example of Labor Government "spin" (both State & Federal) to convey the impression that they are actually doing something and to ensure that they can subject the "punters" to a barrage in the lead up to the next elections about all that they have delivered to the electorate. The continual delay with Maldon Dombarton is another example of the contempt with which Labor treats the donkey voters in the Illawarra. I for one recall Bob Carr standing at the front of the Avon Tunnel solemnly promising that the Labor Government would ensure the Maldon Dombarton rail line would be completed 20+ years ago

Anyone who has any project experience knows the three phases of a project are in laymans terms 1. The Prefeasibility Study which is what is the client's expectation for the project outcome and financial returns 2. The Feasibility study which is what is the best way of delivering the project 3. The Execution phase which is actually delivery of the project to the client