Tasmanian Government backs rail trail projects to boost regional tourism

The Tasmanian Government has introduced new legislation that will enable non-operational railway lines to be used for a range of recreational uses other than rail, including as cycle and walking tracks, horse riding and running.

Aiming to support recreational and tourism initiatives along with across the State, particularly in regional Tasmania, the legislation has been widely welcomed because of its potential to drive economic development in regional areas.

While retaining the non-operational rail corridors in public hands, known as “rail banking”, for possible future development options, the legislation will allow the Tasmanian Government to consider alternative uses of non-operational corridors where there is no foreseeable need for rail services, where the alternative use has a demonstrated community benefit and does not preclude future rail use.

An example of alternative use is the North East Rail Trail project that will use the non-operational North East rail corridor.

The Dorset Council has secured $1.47 million from the Federal Government to develop the project, which Dorset Mayor Greg Howard describes as a “game changer that will generate jobs, stimulate infrastructure growth and help the North-East economy diversify from traditional forestry and agriculture-based industries.”

Howard adds “(the) legislation clears up inconsistencies with title arrangements on some short sections of the rail corridor and opens up options for further expansion of the Rail Trail.

“Opening up the Rail Trail means that a wide diversity of people can use it, including not only cyclists, but walkers and horse riders.

“This is a key jobs and infrastructure development for North East (Tasmania and) in time, the economic benefits flowing from a rail trail originating in Launceston extending deep into the North-East will be huge.”

The Tasmanian Government has also provided in-principle support to the Burnie City Council and the Waratah-Wynyard Council for the development of a coastal cycleway on the Wiltshire Line rail corridor.

Images: Rail trail in Eurobin, north east Victoria, courtesy of the Bicycle Network (top) and a map showing the North East Rail Trail prject (below). 

16th May 2016 - TASMANIAN COUNCILS AIM TO EXPAND MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURISM

12th June 2014 - NSW GOVERNMENT TO BACK RAIL TRAILS

20th April 2014 - ALICE SPRINGS WELCOMES NEW WORLD-CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK

2nd July 2013 - TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN TASMANIA

16th April 2013 - MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURISM BOOST FOR LAUNCESTON 

16th July 2012 - TRC TOURISM GETS $1 MILLION TO IMPROVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES IN NATIONAL LANDSCAPES 

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.