Rail Trail Proponent Steps Down
The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail manager and general rail trail proponent, Mr Darren Murphy, steps down from his job on the 1st of December 2006. He has been the full time manager of the rail trail, the only such position that we know of in Australia, for over six years.
When the Alpine, Indigo and Wangaratta shires decided to commit to constructing what is now known as the Murray to Mountains rail trail they decided that, if an almost 100km long asset is to be successful, it needed a full time manager and promoter. While the Murray to Mountains rail trail is not unique in having attractive scenery and towns it has clearly become the most used regional rail trail in Australia because of that decision and Darren’s dedication.
However that is not the only reason for this news item since Darren, rather than treating other rail trail proposals as threats to his funding sources and visitor base, took the attitude that the more high quality rail trails the better for all. On many occasions he assisted other proposed rail trails in his own time and attended conferences related to rail trails and tourism. We thank him for his efforts.
As Victoria’s (and Australia’s) first real decade of rail trail progress ends this highlights the situation that many other rail trails will face, particularly those managed by volunteers. The dedicated enthusiastic pioneers who started them all will be moving on and new people of similar caliber will have to be found to keep the rail trail scene progressing and make it sustainable.
We are not sure who will be taking over Darren’s position.
Darren is still far to young to retire yet! but is leaving his options open for future work. Whatever eventuates we wish him well and hope he keeps in touch with the rail trail community.
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More News
Campaspe Shire Council have recently provided an update on the Rushworth Rail Trail project which is on track for comple...
A celebration on 25 November on the trail at Mossiface will mark the completion of a series of major upgrades to the ico...
Parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. Many of these events take place ...
Running a marathon is a big enough challenge, but running three marathons in a day is a massive feat of endurance. That...
The committee for Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Inc has made a significant leap towards realization of the Boorowa Galo...
The unstoppable Yarra Ranges Council have been at it again, with pedestrian-activated traffic lights installed at the in...
November UPDATE: Unfortunately the soft opening in December has been postponed due to bridge program being delayed. It w...
What is the situation with numerous rail trail proposals in the southern highlands of NSW? In October, Rail Trails Austr...
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson officially opened The Bunny Trail on Tuesday 24 October. The “Bunny Trail” prov...
Some of our more mature rail trails are looking at ways to enhance visitor experience to increase visitations. This incl...
Join the Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society’s slow paced bicycle ride from Warburton to Yarra Junction along th...
A few small changes to the Amy Gillett Rail Trail in South Australia have occurred in recent months that will make ridin...
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