Follwing the completion of the 6 week community review period (in which 2 submissions were received) Transplan Pty Ltd has now completed the final report.
The Feasibility Study found that development of the trail through to Birregurra (on the former railway formation), as envisioned by the community, was not feasible. Alternatives, including using the network of local roads, was not considered a practical proposition.
The study did conclude that it may be possible to extend the existing rail trail (from its current end point) through to Barwon Downs. However, at its December 2014 meeting the Colac Otway Shire Council resolved as follows:
1. Endorses the draft Tiger Rail Trail Feasibility Study to be placed on public exhibition beyond the minimum 6-week period in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Policy 2010, until 13 February 2015.
2. Acknowledges in exhibiting this draft study that the proposed section from Barwon Downs to Birregurra is not considered feasible at this point in time and should not be progressed.
3. Agrees that it does not develop a trail through private land without prior landowner consent in writing.
In summary, the Council’s position is that it will not develop a trail through private land (ie. a trail that dissects private land) without prior landowner consent in writing, received without coercion or duress. This includes land owned by Barwon Water which may or may not be leased out to adjoining landowners.
Consequently, the recommendation of this Feasibility Study that “it may be possible to extend the existing rail trail (from its current end point) through to Barwon Downs” will be entirely dependent on the Council obtaining said consent at some point in the future, should it pursue that course of action. It should be noted that land ownership or leasing arrangements may change in the future and there may be appropriate opportunities to pursue the extension of the rail trail at that time.
Tags: rail trail; trail feasibility study; Transplan Pty Ltd