GOULBURN Mulwaree Council has thrown its support behind a proposed rail trail circuit, pledging $15,000 to fund a feasibility study on the concept.
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The Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail circuit is one of a few proposed cross country cycling tracks on the cards in NSW.
Deputy mayor Bob Kirk said council’s investment was a no-brainer.
At present, rail trail cycling is prevalent in every Australian state and territory, with the exception of NSW.
Existing legislation permits the transformation of disused railway lines into cross country cycling paths.
The discipline attracts tens-of-thousands of visitors per annum, Cr Kirk explained.
“Based on other rail trails in Victoria, they get 60,000 visitors a year – and they don’t have the population base we do,” Cr Kirk said.
“It’ll be a great thing for Goulburn. It will have a significant impact on Crookwell and Goulburn.
“You’ve only got to look at the data. Tens-of-thousands of riders are within two hours of Goulburn.”
Councillor Kirk is also Goulburn Mulwaree’s representative on a panel focused on getting the project off the ground. The grant will go into the bank account of Southern Tablelands Cycling – the body dedicated to supporting the project.
While legislation prevents any conversion of railway lines in NSW, Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian has indicated each proposal will be considered on merit.
Her comments open the door to a Goulburn to Crookwell rail trail system – a circuit that will take riders on a cross venture through the picturesque ranges of the Southern Tablelands.
Council’s funding commitment follows a $15,000 commitment from their Upper Lachlan counterparts. Goulburn Mulwaree General Manager Warwick Bennett spelt out the plan for Councillors in a report submitted to last week’s council meeting.
“Basically, the existing rail lines and sleepers are removed; the ballast compacted and then sealed with crushed granite and a three metre wide pathway established,” Mr Bennett wrote.
“The corridor would be fenced on both sides to a width of 10 metres. Existing infrastructure – bridges, culverts and crossings – would be utilised and upgraded as required.”
While the concept received a unanimous vote of approval from councillors, it hasn’t been welcomed by all quarters. Member for Goulburn and Planning Minister, Pru Goward, said a diplomatic discussion between all parties is necessary.
“For all the cyclists who are behind this, I’ve got landowners who are concerned about cyclists riding through properties,” Ms Goward explained in June. “We cannot look at this without being sure everyone’s interests are met. We have to explore all of those interests before going ahead and if need be, come to a compromise.”