After almost 15 years of hard work, the unique situation in NSW where rail trails are not allowed to be constructed on the thousands of kilometres of long disused rail corridors is changing.
A few days ago the NSW Upper House passed legilsation almost unanimously that will officially close the railway line between Rosewood and Tumbarumba in the mountains south of Wagga Wagga.
This will allow the construction of NSW’s first real rail trail on a government corridor, the 21km Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail.
Given the unique controversy that rail trails have caused in NSW, the Tumbarumba Rail Trail is regarded as a “pilot” rail trail and when undoubtedly it is a success for the community it is hoped that further legislation will be passed to allow more widespread development of rail trails in NSW and take advantage of the enormous potential in NSW.
The Snowy Valleys Council in conjunction with the local rail trail steering group (RIverina Highlands Rail Trail) have already obtained $4.8m in funding from the NSW government for the construction of the Tumbarumba Rail Trail so we look forward to construction beginning in earnest when the documentation has been formalised.
Riverina Highlands Rail Trails said it was the news the group was waiting to hear.
“This is momentous as it is the first such access agreement in this state” the group said in a statement.
“We hope the first sod will be turned very soon.”
Full details and map of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail here.
It has been a long time since RTA started working on this particularly with the Riverina Highlands Rail Trail Steering group, who have been consistently at the forefront of efforts to establish rail trails in NSW. This has been helped tremendously in the last few years by Rail Trails for NSW and the many other local communities around NSW who have plans for great rail trails.
After many false starts it was pleasing to see almost unanimous support for the legislation and thank those politicians who have acted for the greater interest of the state, and all of Australia. Importantly the amended legislation ensures these valuable routes are retained as rail trails in public ownership for generations to come.
The legislation detail can be found here.
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Register for news updatesThe official opening of the Casino to Bentley stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was held at the Old Casino Station...
While most of the work extending the Great Southern Rail Trail from Welshpool to Alberton had been completed by the end ...
The long-awaited New England Rail Trail (NERT) stage 1 from Glen Innes to Ben Lomond in northern NSW is now a very big s...
An extension to the Amy Gillett Rail Trail will go ahead after a funding agreement was reached. Stage Four of the Amy Gi...
Riders and walkers will soon have another escape from the very popular Warburton Rail Trail courtesy of a program to cle...
On the 24 February the Atherton district and beyond saw members of the running and outdoor fraternity enjoying an inform...
Sunday, March 3 saw over 100 cyclists of various ages and abilities enjoy a bike ride under a clear blue sky and perfect...
After detailed historical and site investigations, Heritage Victoria have placed the former Rushworth Railway Station on...
It’s only been open for a year, but the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has exceeded expectations. Dra...
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