Given the discontinuities of the former railway corridor, and the absence of viable alternatives for a continuous trail between Forrest and Birregurra, the Colac Otway Shire (and the Steering Committee) agreed with the recommendation to not proceed beyond the HOLD POINT (and to not carry out the feasibility study for the originally proposed rail trail between Forrest and Birregurra) and instead directed that a limited feasibility study for the extension of the trail to Barwon Downs be carried out.
The feasibility of extending the existing trail through to Barwon Downs has now been examined in detail, and the results are set out in the report. In summary, the cost is estimated to be around $544,000 (exclusive of GST), subject to the preparation of a detailed trail development plan, including inspection and evaluation of the two timber bridges. The estimated economic benefit arising from local people and visitors using the trail (and spending money in the towns and the region) is calculated to be around $550,000 per annum.
The Feasibility Study report is soon to be considered by the Colac Otway Shire, and then made available for public review.
Tags: rail trail; trail feasibility study; Transplan Pty Ltd