A presentation headed by Dorset Council general manager Tim Watson and North East Rail Trail spokeswoman Sarah Hirst discussed the progress of the federally-funded remaining 70 kilometres of trail.

Legislation is set to be debated by the state government in the upper house on Thursday, which would give the project clearance – allowing disused rail corridors to be used for recreational purposes.

Alderman Hugh McKenzie asked if any conversations had taken place regarding the four-kilometre “missing link” link from Coldwater Creek to Launceston, as well as identifying track maintenance issues.

“Clearly Coldwater Creek’s not the ideal spot for this trail to end, it needs to really come into Launceston,” he said.

When contacted by The Examiner, Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding noted the rail corridor from Coldwater Creek to Launceston was operational. 

“Any proposal to extend the trail to an operational rail corridor would require different considerations and there are a number of serious infrastructure constraints,” he said.

Dorset Council general manager Tim Watson said it was non-essential, as riders on day trips would likely park their car and travel by bike. 

He said that there was little vegetation, and rubbish was no issue. 

He estimated the tracks would cost up to $20,000 in maintenance, while Ms Hirst said she was confident the revenue would be raised through business memberships and sponsorships.  

Alderman Darren Alexander asked whether expressions of interest would be put out to new businesses.

“It could be a bus picking up the bikes (from the airport) to take them all the way out there,” he said.

Ms Hirst said there had been collaboration with businesses.