Open letter to Guyra Shire Community
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I write to inform you of the facts for the proposed New England Rail Trail concept for our shire. The project called NERT (New England Rail Trail), has been discussed and talked about by many for some five years now, it was never our intention to exclude the community from any information or plans. On the contrary we need you, the community, to make this a great success story for our town and region.
Healthy conversations are shaping up and now is the time to explain the facts about this exciting concept for the New England. Only now, is NERT in a position to discuss this concept. The NSW state government is experiencing pressure from many regions across NSW requesting rail trails on non-operational state owned corridors. The Northern Line from Armidale to Tenterfield has been non-operational for some 25 years.
Rail Trails for NSW is a new organisation which launched themselves at Parliament House in March this year to help these regions to open up corridors for community/tourism use. I attended this launch with Adam Marshall and Scot MacDonald and witnessed some exciting opportunities for the New England. Rail Trails for NSW are also supporting regions which they feel have the best chance of getting the first Rail Trails in our state.
The Minister for Transport, the Hon. Gladys Berejiklian quoted at the launch of Rail Trails for NSW, “We like the concept but you must show us major stake holder support”. To date, NERT is the only region to gain the majority of this stake holder support.
Over the past nine months NERT have been talking to these stake holders and informing them of the concept for a Rail Trail and the benefits. We have followed the Victorian models which have been successful for 21 years. One of the key factors for their success is keeping the pilot program in the one shire. This ensures the governing body or organisation to build, promote, enhance, manage and allow the local community time to embrace such a significant economic, social, and environmental project.
The vast majority of our stake holders have agreed in principle to such a concept in writing. Whilst NERT do not have access to all the personal details for individuals holding grazing rights (in the corridor), we have endeavoured to seek and personally discuss the above concept with many. We have ensured from the start, that these graziers will have the same rights under our proposal.
NERT are also bound by conditions of another major stakeholder to ensure their rights are preserved as by the current managers. We will also ensure stakeholder and community consultation will take place prior to any construction, should NERT be granted a pilot study program!
The fundamental goal of a rail trail is to link communities, businesses, provide a safe environment for hiking, biking, showcasing a region, natural wonders, conservation and enhance tourism potential. Several local stakeholders have expressed exciting potential tourism ideas and our mission is to support, encourage and make them a reality though grants and funding.
We have been approached by an organisation who have expressed their keen support from an environment aspect. This support offers, project management, weed and pest management, erosion control, conservation planning, environmental studying, health management and grant assistance for the rail corridor. We see this as an advantage to maintain the project correctly. We also have many other supportive locals offering assistance in safety, maintenance and advice to ensure the concept can mature to the next stage.
We encourage the community to discuss and understand the facts to allow NERT to pursue the above concept. We are in the process of developing a detailed proposal to present to the Minister for Transport in Sydney in August 2014. Again, should we be successful in advancing this concept, community and stakeholder consultation will happen prior to development. Further Rail Trail information can be sourced in our library or www.railtrails.org.au.
We have a beautiful region and Guyra could be the home for NSW’s first Rail Trail. For more information email NewEnglandRailTrail@gmail.com.
David Mills
Chairperson
NERT steering committee
Public forum needed
I read with interest the various letters praising and condemning the above concept.
As the rail corridor is a public asset, surely a public forum on the subject would clarify the situation as to the wisdom of the proposal. If it creates tourism and employment, then it could be shown as a benefit.
With regard to recent reports, our local member may “fast track” the outcome so he can get on his bike to visit constituents between Armidale and Tenterfield.
David Bearup
Still Waiting better
than the alternative
Still waiting is better than a pulling up the structure and cost millions to put down a bike track. They want to put a three metre wide with tar - look how many gullies and all the fill that has to be put in. All they are is a few people with a new toy to play with for a while and then forget about it.
What about the rail trike on the line for the festival? They are not allowed to go over the road at the north end because the Guyra Shire won’t let them.
So what are they going to do for the bikes they have to go over twelve crossings and some are on major roads.
Laurie Campbell
Gilgai