A HISTORIC DAY for Rail Trails in NSW ..!
The NSW Upper House passed amendments almost unanimously (35 FOR and only 2 against) to the
‘TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION AMENDMENT (CLOSURE OF RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN ROSEWOOD AND TUMBARUMBA) BILL 2017’
The amendment was moved by the Hon. Mick Veitch MLC, a consistent advocate for rail trails in our state. It gained great support not only within the Labor Party but across the political spectrum. Hopefully this legislation will become a template for other rail trails in NSW.
We thank the Labor Party, Mick Veitch, Jodi McKay and Penny Sharpe for this important amendment which gets the process RIGHT for this and future rail trails, ensuring these valuable routes are retained in public ownership for generations to come.
This outcome will restore the faith of many Rail Trail supporters around the State in our Parliamentary system. It demonstrates that multiple parties can deliver outcomes that will benefit the people of regional NSW and thus all the citizens of NSW.
It was anticipated the rail corridor would be declared a Crown reserve and Snowy Valleys Council would be appointed the trustee.
The overall view is that this short rail trail will benefit the whole community,” Mr Constance said.
He said fears over biosecurity and the security of sheds and barn equipment would be mitigated by prohibiting trail users access to properties and animals through trespass warning signs.
“Current and forecast rail passenger and freight patterns suggest it is unlikely that the Tumbarumba to Rosewood railway line will ever be required for future rail services, however the arrangements will ensure that the corridor can be resumed by Transport for NSW for operational purposes if the need arises,” Mr Constance said.
Riverina Highlands Rail Trails said it was the news the group was waiting to hear.
“This is momentous as it is the first such access agreement in this state” the group said in a statement.
“We hope the first sod will be turned very soon.”
Let’s make this ‘Pilot’ unbelievably successful so that we can have a network of trails across the state to rival those in Victoria and beyond.
Click on these links for more information:
https://www.bicyclenetwork.com.au/general/media/4954/
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/4748673/rail-trail-plan-on-track-for-tumbarumba/
THE NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL COULD BE NEXT IF WE ALL PULL TOGETHER!
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