An alternative proposal for the disused North East rail line has been given to City of Launceston council and both houses of parliament as the wheels are being set in motion for the establishment of a rail trail along the track.
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Rail group, Launceston & North East Railway, want to see the disused rail line restored and a tourist train run across the North East.
Legislation passed the state government last year to allow disused rail corridors to be opened up to other uses, such as the current proposal of a cycle rail trail that has government support.
Launceston & North East Railway vice chairman Clynton Brown said a tourist train could operate alongside a rail trail, but that is not a likely scenario.
Mr Brown said they will commission an independent study of the line to assess the feasibility of restoring it, and continue discussions with City of Launceston council following that.
City of Launceston general manager Robert Dobrzynski said the council knows of both the proposals for the disused rail line.
“The City of Launceston is aware of the proposals for a North East rail trail and the most recent proposal to re-establish a passenger rail service between Scottsdale and Launceston.
"The City of Launceston is yet to formally consider either matter."
Mr Brown believes a tourist passenger rail service could be a boost to the area, and said he has strong support from local residents for the proposal.
“With the use of the line as a tourist railway, it not only preserves the line and unique local infrastructure built in 1888, but allows Launceston & North East Railway to operate restored and unique locomotives of the former Tasmanian Government Railways,” Mr Brown said.
"These … will be used on the line to ferry tourists to various wineries, breweries, eateries and local tourist attractions along and outside of the picturesque line.”
