The economic assessment report on the benefits to the region of the Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail has highlighted the significant benefits to the region if the project proceeds. 

The report states the trail would cost $15.6m to build and the council has allocated $300,000 a year for ongoing maintenance – but this seems like a great investment if the trail actually brings in $6m a year as the report suggests.

The report estimates the trail would attract increased tourism expenditure in the local region from the 30,000 new day trippers that would come here each year.

With $300m up for grabs under the State Government’s Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund for such projects – let’s hope the council’s new bid for some of this funding is successful.

What a great project this could be for the region! What a no brainer it seems to build! Let’s hope the Federal Government can also assist in getting this amazing opportunity on track. 

Rye Park 

The Rye Park wind farm project near Boorowa, recently approved by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, raises questions over the powers the NSW Planning and Environment and community consultation really have.

The Planning Assessment Commission (PAC) supported the department’s visual impact assessment, but did not support the number of turbines.

It was initially 129 turbines, last year it was 109 and today it is 92. However, in March the department recommended 84 following a community consultation. 

“The Commission notes the subjectivity of visual assessments and has recommended the removal of 8 wind turbines that would have moderate-high visual impacts on residences,” the NSW PAC determination reads.

“With the removal of a number of turbines and with appropriate conditions, these impacts could be effectively mitigated and are outweighed by the broader public benefit.”

The community, voicing a long campaign of disapproval, was on par with the department’s 84 turbines. Let’s hope the community can move forward together now.