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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Sign UpAfter the devastating floods that struck the northern NSW and SE Qld this year, some good news with life returning to a ...
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is rapidly progressing towards development. As reported...
There are some folklores, especially from a movie, that all you have to do is build it and they will come. However the r...
After a small break to regroup, the Batlow to Tumut Rail Trail committee are once again on the task of assisting this wo...
Two RTA representatives attended the “Western Region Bicycle Forum” at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo o...
The High Tea gourmet ride is back by popular demand. Bike riders leave Huon Reserve, off the Murray Valley Highway, Huon...
The Mansfield Marathon events (to be held on Sunday 29 May) include a full marathon 42.2km, half marathon 21.1km, 10km, ...
Rockhampton Regional Council has released the preliminary design for the Mount Morgan Rail Trail in central Queensland. ...
More great news for the wonderful Great Southern Rail Trail in Gippsland, Victoria with the announcement that funding ha...
RTA continues to work on making its website rail trail descriptions more informative. The latest improvement is be able ...
The picturesque 80km High Country Rail Trail in north east Victoria is undergoing significant improvement: The sealed su...
The South Australian Riverton Community will host “A Walk or Ride To Remember The Anzacs” on the Rattler Rai...
A short trail link has recently been completed by The Barossa Council (in South Australia) at Sandy Creek. The 100m seal...
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