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Register for news updatesTasmania Needs Your Support
As Tasmania booms in popularity, one thing is for sure: its rail trails are lagging. There’s huge potential in Tasmania with many former railway lines sitting idle.
A proposed section of the North East Tasmania Rail Trail has also been part of a ‘getting trains running again’ push, however, as Bicycle Network pointed out in a recent press release, this group has since admitted online that it is unlikely the rails will see trains again. “From time to time someone will ask when we are getting trains running again. Sadly, the answer is, for mostly financial reasons, probably never,” the post said.
In response, it’s prime time to advocate for another use for this asset. It’s been over 10 years since the 26km section from Scottsdale to Tulendeena opened. Stage 3 will see the 40km section of corridor between Scottsdale and Lilydale Falls Reserve open and provide, as Dorset Council’s website says, “the opportunity to ride/walk through forests, hidden towns and explore the 700m tunnel at Tunnel (one of the few rail tunnels in Tasmania)”.
Please join RTA and Bicycle Network’s in supporting Dorset Council’s push to get Stage 3 open by emailing the local federal member for Bass Jess Teesdale te*********@*****ov.au and let her know of your support and that you have been waiting far too long to come and visit this wonderful area of Tasmania.
For more information, including the Business Plan, Prospectus, Community Information Brochure, and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Dorset Council website (https://www.dorset.tas.gov.au/north-east-rail-trail-stage-3)
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3 comments on “Tasmania Needs Your Support”
There’s a key bit you’ve missed here. While they admit it may be a long time until they can get trains back up, they’re almost ready to start railbug operations between Turners Maesh and Waddles Road. They’re doing an amazing job, and extending the rail trail won’t bring a huge amount of tourism to the area, unlike trains.
A link has been added to the Launceston and North East Railway website under Further Information in the rail trail description. When the "rail bugs" are running we will add a note to the Nearby Attractions section. Evidence around Australia shows that rail trails are bringing welcome benefits to many regions which is why there are now so many.
We ride railtrails all over Australia. Come on Tassie it’s time to develop more of your rail trails to give us a reason to stay longer!