But North-East Rail Trail spokeswoman Sarah Hirst says every owner of land adjacent to the rail corridor were sent a letter as part of the first stage of consultation. 

She said she will continue to work with them to rectify privacy concerns and maintenance issues. 

It comes after the state government outlined a plan to convert disused rail corridors for recreational purposes.

The proposed legislation will enable the remaining federally-funded 70 kilometres to link to the already-built 28 kilometres of trail. 

Chairman of the North-East Residents and Farmers Association Stuart Bryce, who represents over 200 farmers in the area, said he was concerned funding for the project would hit the pockets of ratepayers.

He cited figures estimated by Northern Tasmanian Development and said that their figures showed the project would exceed the federal government’s $1.47 million grant.

Ms Hirst said the trail will be self-funded as part of the funding application, and the board was unaware of any rail trail that followed a user-pays system. 

She said the North-East Cycling Track Inc would manage the cleanup of noxious weeds along the rail corridor. 

“By controlling the level of growth, we also minimise the presence of rabbits, snakes, wallaby, possums, snails, slugs, fire and fuel,” she said.

Mr Bryce said that farmers were concerned humans and animals would threaten landowners’ livestock.

Lilydale resident and farmer Leigh Arnold said he was worried about his cattle and privacy.

Ms Hirst said the board had requested quotes from landowners to construct privacy screens. 

“The land is already public space and having cyclists and walkers on the track is a lot less noisy than trains. There are a number of locals that currently use the corridor for walking both alone and with their dogs. Many landowners are unaware that this occurs as the track users are both quiet and respectful.”