THE Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail will be discussed with similar projects at NSW Parliament House next month.
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The 56km proposal stalled when funding was redirected to the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail, but is back on track, says proponent Cr Bob Kirk.
Crookwell potato farmers and livestock producers along the former railway line have raised concerns about the possible crop contamination due to the project.
But Cr Kirk remains confident that rail trails will come into their own across NSW in the future, as they are popular in other states and countries.
"Rail trails have been in the USA for decades, in Victoria for over 20 years, [and] all states of Australia except NSW have them," Cr Kirk said.
"New Zealand has identified them as an important part of their national tourism strategy." (See a first-hand account of a NZ rail trail on Page 9.)
The Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail was being viewed as a pilot project for how others across the state could proceed, Cr Kirk said.
"A lot of work has been done for rail trails across NSW and there are at least 16 projects in the wings; a number of people are really trying," he said.
The Goulburn to Crookwell proposal committee (independent of council) was "going strong" with "a broad picture, feasibility study and development plan".
"The Tumbarumba pilot will weed out issues pertinent to all rail trail proposals, such as legislative requirements [and] road transport access," he said.
Despite its lack of funding, the Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail was "a work in progress", with the committee keen to highlight its potential benefits.
"It all begins with talking: the ultimate benefit to the community and all along the line are enormous. The feasibility study showed 35,000 people a year would use the Goulburn to Crookwell Rail Trail and it has been estimated it could bring in $3.4 million per annum to the local economy," Cr Kirk said.
"About 75 per cent of NSW [residents] live within 2.5 hours of our proposed rail trail. They could come and make a great family weekend of riding along it.
"So far we have spoken to 30 per cent of affected landowners, but we must speak to all of them and get all of the views.
"Not everyone is positive about it, but we want to give everyone a chance to have their say and note their concerns and then hopefully come up with solutions."
Cr Kirk said he and Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle would attend a forum on rail trails in NSW Parliament House on March 22. He also hoped Goulburn MP Pru Goward and Monaro MP John Barilaro would attend.
"All rail trail groups will be there and giving presentations about their projects. Hume MP Angus Taylor has also indicated his support for our project," he said.
"I want to hear from people: check out feasibility study at gcrt.org.au and contact us," he said. "We have not given up. This idea is too valuable and important."
