In June the Riverina Regional Development Board adopted the recommendations of a feasibility study into a plan to convert two unused railway lines into rail trails; the 130km Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba branch line and the 32km Tumut to Batlow branch line.
Click here for more details of the rail trail including map.
There is widespread community support for the plan though some adjacent landholders are opposed to the trail. The board’s executive officer Peter Dale says those landholder’s concerns have been addressed and in interviews said “The information coming back to us is that a lot of the landholders who initially might have been opposed, now that they’re fully appraised of what’s intended, have accepted that there’s a greater community good to be achieved through the development of these rail trails and that they indeed may benefit, certainly their communities overall will benefit,”
Railtrails Australia attended some of the public consultation meetings held as part of the feasibility study and based on these and the feasibility study report (available on the Riverina Regional Development Board website) agrees with the above. Experience from other states has shown that, where concerns have been properly addressed, once the rail trail is opened issues are minor and infrequent
It is understood that the relevant NSW government departments are in support of the rail trail proposal, as is the Australian Rail Track Corporation that manages the old lines on behalf of the government.
The four councils involved are also very much in support. The Tumbarumba Council has just finished a sealed bike path up to the Tumbarumba station area, perhaps in preparation! The Wagga Wagga Council and the RAAF are also keen to get the trail constructed from Wagga Wagga to Forest Hill RAAF Base and onto Ladysmith..
In the next few months it is hoped that the Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, will announce the construction of the 19km first stage of the trail from Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith, which may have a sealed surface.
The rail trail committee is also seeking funding to prepare a detailed technical report for the rest of the proposal and to provide individual consultation with affected landholders.
As well as being a fantastic rail trail in its own right the Riverina Highlands Rail Trail will also undoubtedly become a model for other proposed rail trails in NSW so it is hoped it will proceed smoothly and as quickly as poosible. The large media coverage of the proposal in the region due to the concerned landholders is certainly raising the awareness in the NSW public about rail trails, which is a good thing as it is also bringing out widespread general community support.
However more support especially from outside the area will only help. Please write to the minsters below expressing your support and desire to see the trails proceed as soon as possible. If you have time copy your letters to Railtrails Australia at PO Box 302 East Melbourne 8002 or the email address below
John Watkins MP Minister for Transport
Tony Kelly MP Minister for Lands
The postal address for both ministers is
Level 34, Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place Sydney 2000
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Sign UpThe 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. ...
After the devastating floods that struck the northern NSW and SE Qld this year, some good news with life returning to a ...
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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