The Hodgman Liberal Government is pro-actively supporting tourism projects and jobs in regional Tasmania and legislation passed the Lower House last night to enable non-operational rail lines to be used for uses other than rail.
The Tasmanian Government has adopted a policy of retaining all non-operational rail corridors within the State, a policy known as ‘rail banking’ for the future. However, the Government will consider alternative uses of non-operational corridors where there is no foreseeable need for rail services, and where the alternative use has a demonstrated community benefit and does not preclude future rail use.
Linear recreational trails, both for pedestrians or bicycles, on disused railway corridors have been successfully introduced in many locations in Australia and overseas, and offer local tourism and economic growth opportunities, as well as community recreation and health benefits.
The Tasmanian Government has been working closely with the Dorset Council to facilitate the development of the North East Rail Trail project, using the non-operational North East rail corridor.
Dorset Council has secured funding of $1.47 million from the Australian Government through the National Stronger Regions Fund to develop this project.
The Tasmanian Government has also provided in-principle support to the Burnie City Council and Waratah-Wynyard Council for the development of a coastal cycleway on the Wiltshire Line rail corridor.
The development of these types of projects will always be on the basis that the corridor can be “banked” and reclaimed if required in the future.
The new legislation will enable the alternative use of non-operational rail corridors for recreational purposes, and provide a framework for their ongoing management.