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Register for news updatesNSW Government affirms support for rail trails
The NSW Government, Regional NSW, has just released the long-awaited report of the impact of the construction of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail in southern NSW.
According to the report, the overall operational impact of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail was considered ‘excellent’.
The indicators of success showed that it displayed evidence of both positive social and economic outcomes.
The key positive social outcomes evident in Tumbarumba were the contribution the rail trail made to reducing social isolation, particularly among the elderly, the role the project played in bushfire recovery efforts in Tumbarumba, it’s contribution to community cohesion, the provision of a safe commuting corridor, and equal access to recreational land.
The key indicators of positive economic outcomes show that spend in the Tumbarumba region was up by 20% compared to previous years. Also, discretionary spend (on leisure-based activities) in Tumbarumba was up 55%, compared with the same period the year before, most likely from visitors staying in town.
Other feedback shows that nine new businesses have opened, and some existing businesses have expanded, since the opening of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail in April 2020 (accommodation, food and beverage and bicycle hire)
These findings now present the NSW Government with an opportunity to address the issues associated with the legislative amendment process that contributed to some confusion and delays in the delivery of other new rail trail projects.
These types of projects have the potential to link towns and regions and contribute significantly to social and economic outcomes in regional NSW.
Click here to read the full report
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3 comments on “NSW Government affirms support for rail trails”
It would be so beneficial to the NSW regional tourist industry and the old neglected rail lines to repurpose them. Not to mention the railway stations having added attention. "The unused potential is untapped".
Great news. The findings were to be expected but having a positive report should get rail trail development moving in NSW.
Fantastic news for future trails in NSW.