After more than 12 months of dispute, the state government released its report into the viability of heritage rail in the region.

The dispute has been between the North East Railway Company, a group of heritage rail community members, and the Dorset Council.

The council has advocated strongly for the rail corridor to be used as a cycle track.

After some conflicting independent feasibility studies, the state government has been brought in to be the voice of reason in the discussion.

It is clear that both of the proposals have merit.

A poll conducted on The Examiner showed about 70 per cent of respondents were in favour of heritage rail.

About 577 people responded to the poll.

The railway company also conducted its own ReachTEL polling into support for the railway, and found about 75 per cent of respondents were in favour.

Heritage passenger rail is a great way to show off some of Tasmania’s wild places, the popularity of the West Coast Wilderness Railway is testament to that.

However, there is also merit in a cycle path solution.

The North-East is becoming a haven for those with a penchant for the two-wheelers, with different types of cycling sports finding their home in the region.

Derby is fast becoming known as one of the best places in the world for endurance riding.

A mountain bike trail is also slated for St Helens, so a bike trail would link up that experience with the East Coast.

The solution provided by the state government, to split the track into two, is a sensible one.

It is a compromise that, if both projects are approved and go ahead, will bring double the tourism benefits to the North-East.

That outcome can only be a positive thing, for those who live there and those who enjoy the tourism offerings.