On 6 December 2021, the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel (RPP) granted approval for the initial stages of the Newcastle portion of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail, subject to 100 Conditions of Consent. The announcement and links to documents can be found on the supporters’ group website.
Approximately 13 kilometres of the path located within the Newcastle Local Government Area (in NSW) was approved. Two kilometres of the trail that goes through the Hunter Wetlands National Park will undergo further assessment in the new year.
City of Newcastle’s Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this approval represents a major step forward for what will be a regionally significant recreational and tourism attraction that will rival the popular Fernleigh Track.
Newcastle’s section is part of the overall regional proposal between City of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Cessnock City Councils for a 32-kilometre cycling and walking track along the former Richmond Vale rail line between Kurri Kurri and Hexham, along the former Chichester to Newcastle water pipeline between Shortland and Tarro, and through the Hunter Wetlands National Park.
The City of Newcastle will seek approval of the two-kilometre section through the Hunter Wetlands National Park next year to ultimately move this project towards construction, as funding permits. Cessnock and Lake Macquarie are finalising a Review of Environmental Effects for the western two thirds of the trail, and approval is expected for that portion within the next year.
Further information can be found at the Newcastle Herald News.
Alternatively, you can read the news story here.
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