Legislation to enable further development of rail trails in Tasmania has passed the lower house but is facing opposition in the Upper House. When the legislation is passed it will mean that non-operational Tasmanian rail corridors can be repurposed for recreational (non-rail) use.
The legislation is most relevant for the planned 70km extension of the popular North East Tasmania Rail Trail from Scottsdale back towards Launceston. This extension has full local, state and federal government support, and federal government funding. The legislstion will also allow several other planned rail trails including the Burnie to Wynyard in north west Tasmania.
This is urgent because of the North East Tasmania Rail Trail’s federal government funding coming due in December. The Dorset Council need to ‘substantially commence’ work before then to keep the funding.
The Tasmanian government’s support is outlined in this press release. Bicycle Network have been working strongly in support of the legislation and have additional background here.
Naturally some people would like to see the rail service returned but the industries that supported this in past decades are no longer there, which is all the more reason for greater tourism for the economy of the region. They also hope for a tourist rail service but there has never been serious investigation of this, even when the rail line was open. Many existing tourist railways in Tasmania and other states of a much shorter distance already face financial challenges.
The very scenic undulating nature of Tasmania means that it is generally not practical to put a trail beside the rail line.
Importantly rail trails keep a continuous corridor intact should there ever be a need for rail service again in the future.
We urge rail trail supporters to contact upper house members and point out the benefits rail trails have brought to regions in other states.
Suggested MLCs to contact are:
The rail trail is in Tania Rattray’s electorate.
It should be noted that a well constructed rail trail can be used by all members of the community including the very young in prams and those limited to mobility scooters.
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Register for news updatesAustralia’s most influential community riding organisation, Bicycle Queensland (BQ) has released a video campaign prom...
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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Construction of Australia’s soon to be longest rail trail has recently gained momentum, with the Palaszczuk Government...
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