An independent third party will assess the viability of a heritage rail service on the North-East rail trail corridor before decisions are made on a bike track.
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The state government and Dorset Council have agreed to jointly fund the study into the heritage rail project to ensure the community has all the facts before any development goes ahead.
The Dorset Council and the North East Rail Trail Association have worked hard since 2014 to develop a plan for a rail trail along the corridor.
However, the second proposal for heritage rail was recently released after a series of community meetings on the issue.
The rail project has generated significant discussion about the future use of the corridor.
A group of people in the Dorset area have opposed the development of the corridor into a bike trail, instead favouring heritage rail.
“We need to ensure that the development of the rail corridor is embraced by the community and that’s why the government, in consultation with the Dorset Council, has decided to have a third party assess the heritage rail proposal before a final decision is made on the future use of the rail corridor,” Treasurer Peter Gutwein said.
The study will consider the condition of all rail infrastructure, a risk assessment, an analysis of measures needed to ensure safe road crossings and the level of investment required to establish and sustain a heritage rail precinct.
“We need to have the facts on the table to ensure that, as a community, we can have an informed discussion about the best use of the rail corridor,” Mr Gutwein said.
The study will be contracted to a third party secured by Infrastructure Tasmania. It’s expected the assessment will be finalised quickly.
“The rail corridor between Launceston and Scottsdale presents a unique opportunity to develop a new experience that will enhance the massive appeal of the region.
“Attractions like the Blue Derby Mountain Bike trail are massive drawcards, bringing in visitors from all over the state and right around the world.”
The council and the association presented a business case for a trail to the Australian Government in 2015, who have committed $1.47 million to the project.
A group of farmers also objected to the bike trail proposal, citing they weren’t consulted and concerns the project would hit the hip-pockets of ratepayers.
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