Legislation to make it easier to approve new rail trails in NSW has been passed by both houses of the NSW Parliament, with the NSW Legislative Assembly voting in favour on 10 August.
The legislation enables the Minister for Transport to grant 30-year leases to local governments on disused government-owned NSW rail corridors for tourism purposes. Abandoned rail lines on ex-government corridors in NSW are currently regarded as non-operational but not closed. Previously, each rail trail proposal in NSW required a separate act of Parliament to “close” and re-purpose the corridor, resulting in political blockages to progress. This has now been addressed in the new rules, with a simpler process.
The visible success of the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail in southern NSW, which opened in April 2020 during the COVID pandemic and was formally opened in April 2021, has been the major driver of this much-needed change in the NSW rules for rail trails. Rail Trails Australia commends the community groups who worked tirelessly for their achievement in being the catalyst for change.
Both major parties in the NSW Parliament supported the legislation. Rail trail proposals will still need to have demonstrated local community support and a positive business case. Local councils will continue to play a pivotal role.
Rail Trails Australia welcomes the new legislation as a positive development for the future of rail trails in NSW, which remains behind other States and other countries in realising the many benefits that rail trails offer. We also thank all of you who answered our call to action on 29 July before the legislation was formally voted on in the NSW Parliament and enabled it to be passed so relatively quickly after many years of lobbying.
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...
The City of Greater Bendigo (COGB) Council is now inviting the wider community to provide feedback and further comment o...
As we celebrate the opening 12 months ago of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Rail Trails Australi...
The proposed bike overpass, which would ensure cyclists and pedestrians could safely travel over the Goodwood railway st...
Owen Fitzgerald, who has led the Riverina Highlands Rail Trail (RHRT) group since its inception in 2003, has announced ...
The Shire of Yarra Ranges announced this week that it had secured promised funding of $4.1M to extend the Yarra Valley T...
As part of the initial $5M for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project benefits package, Queensland Minister for Energy and Cle...
Cumberland Council has released the proposed design for the Pippita Rail Trail, a 2.4 kilometre walking and riding path ...
In a collaborative effort between the ‘Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail’ volunteer group and Mansfield Shir...
John O’Brien (Rail Trails Australia Regional Representative for NSW) and his partner Kathy recently participated i...
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland, trail managers for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT), h...
Do you have Victoria’s 62 km Gippsland Plains Rail Trail on your bucket list? Or maybe the 13 Km Tarra Trail between Y...
Come along and join the members and supporters of the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc (CMRT) for an unique opport...
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Register for news updatesOn 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...
The City of Greater Bendigo (COGB) Council is now inviting the wider community to provide feedback and further comment o...
As we celebrate the opening 12 months ago of the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Rail Trails Australi...
The proposed bike overpass, which would ensure cyclists and pedestrians could safely travel over the Goodwood railway st...
Owen Fitzgerald, who has led the Riverina Highlands Rail Trail (RHRT) group since its inception in 2003, has announced ...
The Shire of Yarra Ranges announced this week that it had secured promised funding of $4.1M to extend the Yarra Valley T...
As part of the initial $5M for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project benefits package, Queensland Minister for Energy and Cle...
Cumberland Council has released the proposed design for the Pippita Rail Trail, a 2.4 kilometre walking and riding path ...
In a collaborative effort between the ‘Friends of the Great Victorian Rail Trail’ volunteer group and Mansfield Shir...
John O’Brien (Rail Trails Australia Regional Representative for NSW) and his partner Kathy recently participated i...
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland, trail managers for the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT), h...
Do you have Victoria’s 62 km Gippsland Plains Rail Trail on your bucket list? Or maybe the 13 Km Tarra Trail between Y...
Come along and join the members and supporters of the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc (CMRT) for an unique opport...
2 comments on “NSW Rail Trails legislation approved”
This is wonderful news for we in NSW who love rail trails and who have looked with envy across our borders at more enlightened states. Thank you to all involved. We have been waiting a long time.
Tremendous news!
Well done RTA and everyone connected with this breakthrough decision.