Transplan's Trail Log

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.

Transplan Pty Ltd has submitted to the Colac Otway Shire an “Issues and Opportunities Paper” for the proposed extension of the Tiger Rail Trail from Forrest through to Birregurra. The existing rail trail is only several kilometres long, heading north from Forrest. The Feasibility Study has included an extensive investigation into land ownership along the former railway corridor, as well as numerous on-site meetings (and phone conversations) with adjoining landowners and owners of parts of the former railway corridor. It has been determined that around 32% of the former railway corridor is now in private ownership, with most of these owners not supportive of the development of the rail trail. The study included 4 ‘open houses’ or ‘drop in’ sessions (at Birregurra, Deans Marsh, Barwon Downs and Forrest) and the preparation of 4 newsletters which were distributed throughout the communities.

Mike Maher, Director of Transplan Pty Ltd, will be making a presentation to the Rail Trails for NSW workshop on Tuesday August 26th. Around 80 – 100 rail trail advocates from throughout NSW will gather in Sydney to push for the development of rail trails in NSW (on publicly owned disused railway lines). Mike will outline the reasons why a trail feasibility study is needed to make the case for the development of a rail trail, and will also detail what goes into the preparation of a trail development plan.

Transplan Pty Ltd is working with Mike Halliburton Associates on the preparation of a feasibility study for a proposed rail trail near Newcastle in NSW. The client is the City of Newcastle. The privately owned former coal railway is soon to be handed over to public agencies for future management. Developing a rail trail is a highly probable use of the former railway. The route between Kurri Kurri and Hexham (on the outskirts of Newcastle) features three original brick lined tunnels, two timber trestle bridge, a number of smaller bridges, and traverses a variety of landscapes including farmland, forested areas and the Hexham Wetlands.

The Tumbarumba Shire Council, in conjunction with the local rail trail committee, has submitted an application to the NSW Government for funding of the proposed rail trail between Tumbarumba and Rosewood. Cost estimates prepared by Council staff indicate that it will cost in the order of $4.9 million (allowing for all contingencies including the provision of new bridges, removal of the existing steel track, a sealed surface, all possible future permits and environmental studies, and project management of construction).

The Queensland Government is seeking to partner with Queensland councils, with closed or non-operational rail corridors in their area, to expand the state’s rail trail network.

Who can apply? The grants program will only be available to councils, as government entities which can hold tenure over the rail trail corridors.

Applications will only be permitted for rail corridors which no longer have operating railways. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will also need to agree that the corridor is no longer needed for rail purposes and can be converted to a recreational rail trail. The state will invite expressions of interest from councils with suitable rail trail proposals.

Community support: The Government recognised that recreational groups and the community have played an important part in developing and maintaining the existing network of rail trails in Queensland. New rail trail proposals which can demonstrate clear support from local businesses and community groups will be welcomed.

For more information see: http://www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/infrastructure-and-planning/recreational-rail-trail-grants-program.html