Australian Railway Story: Chapter 18


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The Future of Australian Railways ... 
and Their On Going Cultural Influence

Over the last few years several Australian State Railway systems celebrate their 150 years of history and the influence railways have had on moulding many aspects of Australia’s way of life. This took place in a period when Australian Railway operators and Governments are again debating the future direction of Australian railways. Influential new players have entered the debate following the privatisation of many former publicly owned railway services. At the same time Governments still have a major say in the future of railway development and operation both in the cities and other regions. A recent development has been a signal from the Federal Government of a increased national approach to Australian railways and while many important projects remain on the drawing board at least one large new railway associated with Iron Ore in Western Australia has moved towards the track laying stage.

On the positive side of the railway debate new technologies are available to railway builders that can now provide new railway services in a very short time providing there is the will to do this. The successful use of Sydney Railway system during the 2000 Sydney Olympics to move thousands of people demonstrated how much a city of any size benefits from an efficient public transport system. Australian poets, songwriter and the story tellers are beginning to see these development and their observations and opinions continue to shape the way we see and use this technology that has played a major part in build our nation

OLYMPIC PARK, DECEMBER 2000

Lidcombe:
I walk to the special platform, board the special train,
travel the new track.
One of just three, I alight at Olympic Park.
Having heard so much about it from so many people,
here I was, at last.


Currently the Railway Story is in the process of seeking permission to display the full content of this song or poem or to have a copy linked via the web to this research document



TIME TIME TIME IS TICKING AWAY THE FUTURE IS GETTING CLOSER EVER DAY

Time, time time is ticking away
Tomorrow's getting closer everyday
So dreamer dream your dreams'
Planner make your plans'
With your shiny new machines
We'll have time, time, time on our
hands . . .

When technology has freed us
And the bosses don't need us.
We'll have the time to sit and
wonder
What the hell went wrong.
Finale, LOCO. Sidetrack Theatre



RAILWAY PROTEST SONGS FROM THE WILD WOMEN OF URALLA


Currently the Railway Story is in the process of seeking permission to display the full content of this song or poem or to have a copy linked via the web to this research document


This section will be added to by a specific appeal to some well know poets and songwriters with an interest in this subject shortly


Have you any suggestions please use the Railway Story Blog to add your ideas with contact details to help us contact the writer.

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