Community on the Rails
The romantic notion of railways, transporting goods and people, for business or leisure, all over the land, linked by a ribbon of steel and connecting far-away communities has been consistent dream of children, authors and dreamers for the better part of 200 years.
The romantic notion of railways, transporting goods and people, for business or leisure, all over the land, linked by a ribbon of steel and connecting far-away communities has been consistent dream of children, authors and dreamers for the better part of 200 years.
But, with the development of the motor vehicle (car, bus and truck), the necessary road network and the need for independent travel alternatives, railways have retracted in recent decades.
Rail trails, the conversion of a railway line into a shared user path for universal access to walk, ride or cycle, have recreated the original purpose of the railway – connect communities – whilst encouraging active transport and retention of heritage and history.
And the rail trails financially benefit too – the construction spend is easily surpassed by the community benefit in health (physical & mental) outcomes and monetary gain with accommodation, food and transport services all in high demand, substantially due to the local rail trail.
Chris Ord writes a dynamic article to analyse rail trail benefits – a solid read for rail trail proponents and antagonists alike. You can read this article here.
Similar to the views expressed in this article, Damian McCrohan, Rail Trails Australia President spoke to ABC radio about the benefits of rail trails for NSW and the rest of Australia. If you would like to listen to this 9 minute interview, please click on this link.
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More News
The vagaries of Melbourne’s weather continue to hamper progress on the massive Yarra Valley Trail project, but the loc...
The Ringwood to Belgrave Trail has made it tantalizing close to the Melbourne suburb’s bustling railway station after ...
We’re inviting you to attend what may be the largest gathering ever of rail trail volunteers and supporters at our...
The East Gippsland Rail Trail from Bairnsdale to Orbost formally ends at Burn Rd, Newmerella, just 2km short of the old ...
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In March 2024 Rail Trails Australia reported that the City of Greater Bendigo (COGB) Council had put out the draft O’K...
The Adelaide Hills Council is interested in hearing from the Adelaide Hills Community and those who use the bike infrast...
On the 3 September 2024 the Detailed Design and costing for the Bethania to Logan Village Rail Trail (part of the Bethan...
Campaspe Shire Council recently awarded Northern Construction Group the contract to build approximately 10km of gravel c...
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