The committee, chaired by Christian Democrats leader Reverend Fred Nile,  made a series of eight recommendations in its interim report which was released on Thursday.

In the report, Mr Nile said the committee was concerned that the decision to truncate the rail line was based upon a flawed cost-benefit analysis, and that no other business case on the truncation was made available. 

‘‘We are also deeply concerned that the decision to construct the light rail was made without full consideration of alternative options, and that both decisions appear to have been made without adequate consideration of the concerns expressed by much of the community,’’ Mr Nile said. 

The summary includes recommendations that:

■  No steps be taken to remove Newcastle’s existing rail infrastructure until a peer-reviewed report is obtained.

■ The NSW Government consider a series of alternative options to the removal of the rail line including sinking the rail line, constructing additional overbridges and/or level crossings, landscaping the existing rail corridor and reducing train speeds.

■  The NSW Government not proceed with the proposed Hunter Street light rail route unless  supported by a peer-reviewed cost-benefit analysis.

 ■  The date of truncation be postponed until construction of the light rail service commences.

■ The unused portion of the rail corridor be used only for low-scale development associated with community, recreational and public uses.

■ Any proposed development on the unused portion of the rail corridor be subject to a transparent planning process under the control and direction of Newcastle City Council.

It also singles out Hunter Development Corporation general manger Robert Hawes, calling on the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure to ensure that his conflicts of interest are ‘‘consistently managed’’. 

A final report on the findings has been moved forward from March 5 to February 27.