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Register for news updatesWorking to Increase NSW’s Rail Trails
A Rail Trails Australia (RTA) working group comprised of Sam Reich, Peter Coumbis and Geoff Cahill is talking with NSW government stakeholders to assist in the streamlining and facilitation of the operation of the NSW Rail Trails Framework.
The Framework was published in June 2022, however since its inception, only one new rail trail has been established under its banner – the 16.3 km Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. This has stunted NSW’s opportunities for tourism and community benefits. To put it into perspective, NSW has less than 200 km of Australia’s total of 3200 km of operational rail trails although it has 3000 km of disused rail corridors. Victoria has over 1400 km of operating rail trails.
In their role as New South Wales representatives of RTA, the peak body for rail trails in Australia, Sam, Peter and Geoff are holding meetings with NSW Government Ministers in addition to having regular discussions, online monthly meetings and an all-day workshop with senior Transport for NSW officers and others.
The desired outcome of these meetings and workshops is for RTA to help senior departmental staff streamline the processes to secure more rail trails and develop a financial model specifically for rail trails.
We will keep RTA members up-to-date with the working group’s progress.
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South Australia’s Barossa Council has received an additional $100,000 grant through the Government of South Austra...
Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) has done it again – winning gold at the 2026 North Coast Regional Tourism Awards...
Rail Trail Australia’s (RTA) Community Grants program 2026-2027 is open and taking applications now. The scope and fun...
Grand Ridge Rail Trail Committee of Management (CoM) has installed brand new information signs along the 13km rail trail...
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One comment on “Working to Increase NSW’s Rail Trails”
So much potential in NSW. Maybe utilise this years' Sydney NY fireworks budget for the rail trails and you would have several trails up and running in no time. The benefit of rails trails last forever, instead of the 30 mins the fireworks last.
In the meantime, let's head to South Australia, Victoria, QLD and the other states and territories and enjoy their amazing trails. They are the best, free to use assets ever!