Wednesday, 6 December 2017
NORTHERN Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is encouraging interested people to attend a community consultation session next week about the proposal to construct a Rail Trail on the disused rail corridor between Ben Lomond and Black Mountain.
Mr Marshall said the consultation session, co-ordinated by NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, would be asking the community for their views on legally closing the existing rail line for the purpose of constructing and operating the Rail Trail.
“This isn’t a case of rail versus rail trail,” Mr Marshall said.
“The rail line has sat dormant and discussed for decades, in fact many people think the line has already been closed. This proposal would be to repurpose the rail corridor for the rail trail, until such time as rail was ever in demand again.
“If rail was ever to come back, then the rail trail would have to go.
“The best way to preserve intact rail corridors is to use them and if, in this case, you have a line that hasn’t been used by trains for decades, then a proposal to use it as an economic and tourist driver, should be considered.
“This is a proposal that has come from the community and will be largely be determined by the community. The government will not impose the rail line closure and the rail trail unless the community supports it.
“This is the community’s chance to have its say so decisions can be made about the future of the rail trail proposal and I encourage people to get involved.”
Mr Marshall said rail trails had been incredibly successful tourist drawcards internationally and interstate, with Victoria recently opening its 39th rail trail.
“There’s no doubt that rail trails are highly successful and can reinvigorate smaller rural communities with an influx of tourists,” he said.
“Cycling and riding tourism is growing national and internationally and this proposal seeks to cash in on what is a growing market, to showcase our beautiful region.”
Details of the Guyra community consultation session:
When: 12-3pm, Tuesday, 12 December 2017
Where: Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club, 192 Bradley Street, Guyra
To register your interest to attend phone 02 9228 5188. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to provide input via the DPC Regional NSW email address regionalnsw.business@dpc.nsw.gov.au