NEWCASTLE residents agree that effective public transport should be the city's top priority.
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But mention the rail, and the city splits like a Scotch Finger biscuit.
A Newcastle City Council survey, used to update the council's 2030 strategic plan, asked residents to rank the importance of various strategic objectives.
"Effective and integrated public transport" was rated as either "extremely important" or "very important" by 94 per cent of people. Most [66 per cent] said it was extremely important.
About 61 per cent of comments about public transport mentioned the rail line, which divides public opinion in the city as starkly as it divides the city itself.
Opinion was split between 25.8 per cent of people who wanted to retain the inner-city rail line, which is flagged for removal by the NSW government, and 26.6 per cent who wanted it removed or replaced with light rail.
"Keep the train lines open, build more and more overhead rail crossings," one respondent said.
"Terminate the rail line between Wickham and Hamilton and build an integrated train/bus/cycle terminal to transfer commuters and riders," another said.
The second priority was "a thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit", followed by "considered decision making based on collaborative, transparent and accountable leadership".
The city also appeared divided on the decision-making process.
Some argued for more decisiveness. Others for more consultation and collaboration.
The most recent complete breakdown of the council's decision-making process, the debacle on Laman Street, drew 16 unprompted comments from the public.
TOP 5 PRIORITIES
Newcastle residents’ priorities of Newcastle City Council strategic objectives:
1. Effective and integrated public transport
Keep rail line (25.8 per cent)
Cut rail line / replace with light rail (26.6 per cent)
2. Safe and activated places that are used by people day and night
3. A thriving city that attracts people to live, work, invest and visit
4. Considered decision making based on collaborative, transparent and accountable leadership
5. Integrated, sustainable long-term planning for Newcastle and the region
