PROPONENTS are steaming ahead in their push to secure a rail trail between Tamworth and Manilla on the back of a report that hosed down biosecurity concerns.
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Some landholders along the proposed trail have long opposed plans to transform the rail corridor into a tourist track, citing threats to biosecurity among their main concerns.
But the Murray Local Land Service (LLS) conducted a risk assessment for the Tumbarumba to Rosewood proposal in southern NSW, which found the introduction and spread of exotic, non-endemic and established diseases through farms from rail trails would be unlikely.
The report, released this week, listed a range of actions that could reduce further risks, including installing signs that inform people about biosecurity risks and obligations, building fences to limit contact between livestock and people.
While the report isn’t likely to be welcomed by rail trail opponents, it is music to the ears of those fighting for the tourist attraction.
Tamworth to Manilla Rail Trail president, Emily Bowman, said there has been a proven model of success with projects around the country. And she’s right.
NSW is lagging behind the rest of the country when it comes to getting rail trails over the line. We are the only state in Australia to not have rail trails on non-government lines.
Rail trails are shared-user paths along unused railway corridors, used for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Farmers against rail trails argue they don’t want strangers rolling through their properties for biosecurity, privacy and security reasons. And you can see their point.
But on the other side of the coin, a rail trail has huge tourism possibilities.
Rail Trails for NSW estimates that one rail trail bike rider would provide income of $250 per day for the local community, whether that be through refreshments, meals and accommodation.
If that’s the case, Tamworth Regional Council deputy mayor Helen Tickle is on the money. While TRC won’t be the one to approve the project, Cr Tickle gave it a resounding thumbs up.
It’s actually an untapped tourism market, they’re often described as ‘rivers of gold’ or ‘wallets on wheels’,” she said.
“Rail trails actually attract tourists from overseas.”
