GOULBURN is earmarked as the centre of plans to convert old railway lines into tourist cycling hot-spots.
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The major obstacle standing between outdoor cycling enthusiasts and their dream is not logistics, but rather legislation.
Until NSW Members of Parliament scrap rules preventing disused railway tracks from being adapted, the Southern Tablelands Cycling Incorporation cannot fulfil its vision.
Changes, however, could arrive sooner than many think. Should a sound enough proposal be presented to and accepted by the Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian, the door to a rail trail circuit is ajar.
The Goulburn-Crookwell corridor may become home to one of the state’s first rail trails – a cycling discipline in which riders explore the countryside by following routes long taken by trains.
The format is popular in Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand.
Rail Trails For NSW coordinator John Moore said a March 26 meeting in Macquarie Street with MPs and regional-based mayors was pivotal.
“Everybody was enthused and with the election coming up, our goal is to have the first trail for NSW approved in 2014,” he explained.
“Once that happens, the legislation changes and we’ve unlocked the door to more rail trails.”
Southern Tablelands Cycling Incorporated has sought advice from Mr Moore and found allies in Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Geoff Kettle and his deputy Bob Kirk, among others.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council pledged $7500 to the group in its 2012/13 budget to help cover costs of a feasibility study. While the study is yet to be finalised, the funding promise remains.
Upper Lachlan Shire and Yass Valley Councils are onside too.
“We’re behind it in both principle and in terms of financial support,” Cr Kettle said.
Council has committed to promoting health in its Draft Operation Plan for 2014-2017; a document that remained on public display until late last month.
The Plan’s prelude promises councillors will provide “ongoing promotion of walking and cycling” and “ensure that walking and cycling are considered in planning for open spaces, transport networks and development assessments”.
So far they’ve held up their end of the bargain. At a June 3 meeting, councillors unanimously voted in favour of allocating an added $5000 to Southern Tablelands Cycling Inc through their 2014/15 budget.
A report prepared for councillors suggested “an allocation of $5000 be included in the 2014/15 executive services budget for a contribution toward the Tablelands Trail project…”.
Southern Tablelands Cycling Inc member David Mullen has acted as a link between government, Rails Trails For NSW and eager cross-country riders.
He’s confident the pitch will pay-off long term. The proposal includes the use of areas between Goulburn, Crookwell and Taralga and may yet comprise space near Gunning.
“What’s happened in Victoria has been a huge boost to local economies,” Mr Mullen said.
“You can go at a leisurely pace, enjoying the countryside. There’s huge tourist interest in this type of cycling.”
Southern Tablelands Cycling members earlier this year took a handful of Sydneysiders on a tour of the region. Their guests were impressed.
“These are people who normally get in their cars and go to midwest NSW, or even Victoria,” Mr Mullen continued.
“They couldn’t believe this was on their doorstep.”
There’s more at stake than financial incentive.
Orthopaedic surgeon and keen cyclist Dr Andrew Leicester, a man who’s dedicated much of his life to health, says the concept is a no-brainer.
“Goulburn needs innovation to progress and there is huge untapped potential in cycling which would do wonders to boost the economies of both Goulburn and Crookwell,” Dr Leicester wrote in a letter to the editor published on April 30.
“As cycling becomes increasingly popular, families and touring cyclists in Sydney and Canberra are looking for places to ride safely.”
Dr Leicester has since met with Hume MP Angus Taylor, who’s also endorsed the idea.
Optimism isn’t entirely widespread, however. State MP Pru Goward says she’s fielded messages of concern among those in her electorate.
“For all the cyclists who are behind this, I’ve got landowners who are concerned about cyclists riding through properties,” Ms Goward explained.
“We cannot look at this without being sure everyone’s interests are met. We have to explore all of those interests before going ahead and if need be, come to a compromise.”
Farmer Charlie Pell contradicts Ms Goward’s statement. The proposed trail would run through his property, Gundowringa – halfway between Goulburn and Crookwell.
He was outspoken on the issue during his tenure as Upper Lachlan Shire councillor between 2004 and 2007.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Goulburn and Crookwell. The railway line hasn’t been used in 40- odd years,” Mr Prell said.
“It’s a wasted piece of infrastructure. Why wouldn’t you support it?
At least five of the stations along the Goulburn to Crookwell rail line were closed in 1974 or 1975 after more than 70 years in service.
Stations and sidings included North Goulburn Junction, Argyle, Supertex Siding, Bradfordville, Kenmore, Norwood, The Forest, Findlays, Graywood, Woodhouselee, Prells Siding, Roslyn, McAlister and Crookwell.
For more details visit www.nswrail.net/lines/show.php ?name=NSW:Crookwell
