Two conflicting reports about the viability of a heritage rail service on the disused track between Launceston and Scottsdale have been returned. 

For the government, it is a political outcome they would have been dreaming about.

Infrastructure Tasmania has recommended, and Cabinet has agreed, to send the project to another economic assessment.

It is unlikely that assessment will be completed before the election is due in March. 

With the use of the rail corridor for a cycle track or train operation dividing the community, the government has avoided being forced on the issue.

However the government decided to use the neglected railway, it was going to lose votes and face grass-roots and strong opposition.

This is a problem for the government in a seat where it already has a battle on its hands.

The Liberals’ Sarah Courtney, who stood on the railway in August last year and promoted the cycle experience, is in a battle to retain her seat.

Even Peter Gutwein, a popular Treasurer and Launceston identity, could lose serious skin if the government lays its cards on the table prior to the March poll.

Tellingly, the state government has seriously toned down its anti-rail service rhetoric in the past few months.

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding “congratulated” both the cycle and heritage rail proponents in today’s paper.

But it has been an often-heated fight between heritage proponents and the Dorset Council – led by mayor Greg Howard.

As Cr Howard noted, the community is likely to be frustrated by Friday’s delay. 

This decision to refer the project to the Department of Finance will allow any outcome and decision to likely be made after the election.

Could it be an election issue?

That is unknown.

Both Labor and the Liberals have not hammered home their position on either proposal.

It could be an electoral point of difference for many people in the north east of Tasmania.

It is unlikely any party would risk the political capital by choosing what side of the railway they sit on. 

Watch this space.