FULL STORY: $1.47m North East Rail Trail a step closer with fresh funding commitment

FULL STORY: A railway line once the lifeblood of a region is a step closer to being pulled up to become a bike trail after a fresh $1.47m federal funding commitment.

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A RAILWAY line once the “lifeblood” of Tasmania’s North East is a step closer to becoming a scenic bike trail with a fresh $1.47m federal funding commitment.

A previous funding agreement with the Dorset Council to develop the North East Rail Trail lapsed, however the council included the project in its 2020/21 budget estimates in June with the hope of a new funding stream becoming available.

Federal Bass MP Bridget Archer announced on Wednesday that the council would be able to keep the $1.47m previously allocated, but it would now be delivered through the Community Development Grants Program.

She said she had advocated for the project and the funding commitment assured it would go ahead.

“This funding supports job creation and tourism, which is more important than ever, particularly as the region looks to recover from the economic challenges of COVID-19,” Ms Archer said.

North East Railway Trail historic picture of train running in Scottsdale. Picture: Dorset Tasmania History Society Facebook North East Tasmania rail trail

Development applications will be submitted to City of Launceston Council and Dorset Council or an independent council or body for consideration.

If approved, the development will see the train tracks from Lilydale Falls to Scottsdale pulled up and removed, ballast crushed to form the trail and bridges repaired.

Dorset Mayor Greg Howard said the stretch will link up with 26km of rail trail already connecting Scottsdale to Ledgerwood spanning 65km in total.

“It’s not something that is going to attract a million visitors, but there is a steady group of people from the mainland and around the world who drive or fly around the country to ride rail trails and we expect to be able to snare our percentage of those,” Mr Howard said.

“This should make it a three or four day ride depending on fitness and how many wineries or eateries you want to stay at along the way.”

I am thrilled to announce that I have secured the $1.47 million in Federal Government funding for the North East...

Posted by Bridget Archer MP - Liberal Member for Bass on Tuesday, 1 September 2020

Mr Howard said council had already received expressions of interest from businesses interested in setting up stalls, stands and tasting stations along the way.

“It also opens up opportunities for shuttle buses.

Former Dorset councillor and Dorset Tasmania History Society member Jeff Jennings said the railway line was the “lifeblood” of the region used for everything from carting passengers, mining product and agricultural machinery.

He said the Rail Trail had been a divisive issue in Dorset with some wanting the track to remain for potential future rail developments.

“There were quite a few possibilities, which have been largely ignored,” he said.

“But, once the line has been pulled up, that’s going to be it.”

The project is expected to be underway by summer and completed within 18 months.