It is full steam ahead for those behind the push to establish the New England Rail Trail. The steering committee have been working hard to get the go ahead for their proposal, which will see a 34 kilometre stretch of disused railway track between Black Mountain and Ben Lomond turned into a recreational cycling and walking track.
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The proposal is a first for NSW and includes a zero construction cost funding model, major stakeholder support and the maintaining of grazing rights of local landholders.
Steering Committee Chair and Guyra businessman David Mills said the project had the potential to boost tourism in the area, and would in turn be an enormous benefit to local communities and businesses along the proposed route.
Now in the final stages of planning, they are hopeful that tourism funding announced for these types of projects in the NSW budget will help make their dream a reality.
The budget allocated $110 million as part of a regional tourism infrastructure fund, with regional projects able to access funding to help establish tourism.
“We already have support from all the stakeholders involved and being the first in NSW would be a marketing and tourism advantage to our region.” Mr Mills said.
“The economic, health and social benefits of a rail trail are massive; everywhere they have been established the benefits have been more than were anticipated – being the first in NSW would give us a head start.”
The proposal has already drawn support from Guyra Shire Council, local Chambers of Commerce, service clubs, NSW Farmers Association branch and community members.
This week Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall offered them his full support, saying that the New England Rail Trail project was a great opportunity to open the area up further to locals and tourists and create some great business opportunities.
They also received a boost with Southern New England Landcare (SNELC) indicating their willingness to work with the steering committee to see the project get off the ground.
The track, which was part of the Great Northern Rail Line, ceased operating in 1991 and passes through some of the most picturesque country in the New England.
The process involves the removal of the tracks which would be replaced with road base, gravel or a sealed surface. They can then be used for walking, cycling and horse riding. Historical aspects of the rail lines, such as stations, sidings, tunnels and bridges are preserved where possible, and form part of the attraction for visitors to the area.
Mr Marshall said it would be an excellent way to put the old railway line to good use.
“It would certainly create new business opportunities in the region and promote the New England as another destination for the adventure-seeking tourist and provide a new track for local cycling and walking groups,” he said.
“Rail Trails have proved to be very popular throughout Europe and Canada and are now taking off in Victoria so it makes a great deal of sense for the New England to lead the way in NSW and open up this beautiful area to visitors.”
Mr Mills says the committee are grateful for Mr Marshall’s support and through him will request a meeting with the Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian to put forward the proposal.
If anyone has any queries or wants to find out more information about the proposal they can contact David Mills on 0403 468 598.
New England Rail Trail is also on facebook and you can go to their page to keep up to date with what is happening and show your support by liking their page.
