Diesel Prices Force Singleton Plant Mechanic To Learn How To Use An Opal Card

KEITH T. DENNET | South | Contact

An $80,000 tonka truck is expected to stay in the garage this weekend as a Hunter Valley coal miner weighs up his transport options to Sydney.

As a 35 year old Singleton local who grew up during the golden era of the Newcastle Knights, Kurt Woolnough will be trekking up to the big smoke this weekend to watch his beloved Knights take on the Panthers out at Olympic Park.

Having splashed out $120 on sideline seats for the big game, Kurt is now reportedly running the numbers to see how he can survive the weekend without blowing half a grand on the experience.

With drinks, hot chips and some game day merch likely to get a look in, the plant mechanic has told The Advocate the cost of living is pushing him towards considering a trip on the Singleton Shinkansen.

“Never done the train before, I’ve always just slingshotted up the M1 whenever I need to get to big concerts like Meatstock and Good Things and that…” Kurt told our reporter, as he spot cleaned his favourite Newy Knights A-frame cap.

“But yeah, when diesel is poking up to $3 a litre, a trip in the Raptor is going to cost me a fortune…”

Despite having never tapped on or tapped off in his life, Kurt admits it’ll be nice to put the feet up on some cushy seats, and maybe enjoy a few hours of sleep before going back to A crew next week.

“I’ll get on the train at Singo, then apparently I have to change at Hamo Station before all carriages go straight into Sydney. It’s free transport, the whole way!”

“Although the trains on the Hunter Line might wind up about midnight, so I may need to settle in for 3am beers at the Hamo Station Hotel til sunrise Monday morning. Looking forward to it!”