Disused rail corridor in Tumbarumba soon to become a Rail Trail
Posted on by Debbie

It looked unlikely, until today…

It looked unlikely at one stage but now it’s actually happening!

Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail project

Today we received the news we’ve been waiting on for years – yes years, over 10 years for some of our committee members.

Perseverance pays off in the end!

The 23km pilot Rail Trail for NSW, which was funded years ago and approved in Parliament in June 2017, has finally jumped through the final hoop  today. The news that the transfer of the disused rail corridor to Crown Land has been gazetted in Parliament and is now ready for construction to start, was met with big smiles and a feeling of satisfaction, tinged with relief.

In our mind it was always going to happen but until it was actually made official, it was of some concern. Now it’s all ready to go.  The next step will be to ensure it gets built in a timely manner so we can actually ride on it.

I’ve written before about rail trails and am quite a passionate proponent – The quest for a rail trail

My photo shows the rail trail with huge trees growing along the tracks from years of neglect, but once it’s completed it will be a lovely safe trail for walking, running, riding, wheel chairs, prams – and a real asset to our community through some of the most beautiful countryside.

Disused rail corridor in Tumbarumba soon to become a Rail Trail
Disused rail corridor

Here’s the official press release:

TUMBARUMBA TO ROSEWOOD RAIL TRAIL READY TO GO

Member for Albury, Greg Aplin today welcomed news that the site proposed for NSW’s first Rail Trail from Tumbarumba to Rosewood has been gazetted, transferring ownership of the disused rail land from Transport NSW to Crown Lands.

Mr Aplin said the change in ownership marks a significant milestone for the NSW pilot project to transform the old rail corridor into a scenic walking and cycling trail.

“It is an exciting day for the Snowy Valleys region, with construction now just around the corner,” Mr Aplin said.

“This was the last hurdle before we could start work to deliver a vibrant, revitalised corridor with great tourism and recreation benefits.

“The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will give locals a new space to enjoy and encourage new visitors to the area.”

Local Council Trustees will now be appointed to collaborate with the NSW Government on the project.

“Liveability is a major priority for the NSW Government and this project is just one of the great lifestyle options we’re rolling out for people living in our regional towns and those travelling through them.

“We look forward to working closely with community representatives to preserve the heritage of the area and to create a great asset that will meet local and tourist needs.”

Funding of $4.9 million has been allocated to the Tumbarumba and Rosewood Rail Trail from the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The Transport Administration Act 1988 was amended in mid-2017 to allow this project to proceed.

Hooray! Finally it’s happened 😀

This week, share a photo that says unlikely to you — Maybe you can’t predict it, but you can still take a photo of it.

The news has made my great day even better – it’s our daughter’s birthday, it finally rained last night, my husband and I started our Huge Holiday, leaving our home for 3 months of travelling and then this good news to top it all off. 

Some would have said it was unlikely to ever happen but I always had faith.

Deb xx

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28 Replies to “It looked unlikely, until today…”

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  8. Great news Deb and such a beautiful trail. You have worked hard for this and it will be exciting for you to come home after your holiday to see the progress. I must visit one day for a trail walk xx

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  15. Great news for you and the committee and for future generations Deb – what a lovely way to top things off for you before you head off on your odyssey. It’s a great idea to convert perfect trails like this into usable stretches.

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    1. Thanks Leanne, it is so good to finally have this finalised before we go away! I love the word odyssey, I might pinch this description if you don’t mind!! You’re right it’s such a perfect way to use these old tracks and open them up to locals and visitors and they also keep the history alive. I’m so happy right now 😂

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