Launceston’s peak tourism and business bodies have thrown their support behind the state government’s proposal for unused railway tracks in the North-East.
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Treasurer Peter Gutwein announced on Thursday the state government advocated a comprise solution in the long-running dispute between the Dorset Council and North East Railway Company.
While the council wanted to use the 89-kilometre track, from just outside of Launceston to Scottsdale, for a bike trail, its adversaries wanted the tracks restored to their former glory with a heritage rail passenger service.
Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer Neil Grose applauded the state government’s proposal to use 20 kilometres of the track for heritage rail and the remainder for a bicycle trail.
“Heritage rail advocates have been rewarded for their intensive lobbying and now have the exciting potential for access to the main TasRail line between Launceston and George Town,” he said.
“An extended cycle path from Scottsdale to Lilydale Falls, in addition to the existing cycle path from Scottsdale to Billycock Hill, will deliver the length of trail needed to foster increased value-add developments and offer a wonderful multi-day cycling experience.”
The state government’s proposal would see the heritage rail line span from Coldwater Creek to Lilydale, while the bike trails would run from Lilydale Falls to Scottsdale.
We all need to agree on how they will work together for the greater good of the North-East community and its visitors.
- Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin
While the Dorset Council was happy with the compromise, North East Railway Company board member Stuart Bryce said he didn’t want to see any of the rails ripped up for a bike trail.
Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin applauded the decision, but said it was vital for both groups to reconcile in the near future.
“Although both the railway and rail trail have their respective processes to undertake prior to being safe, compliant and operational, I would urge both parties to meet sooner rather than later,” he said.
“We all need to agree on how they will work together for the greater good of the North-East community and its visitors.”
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the compromise would allow both proposals to demonstrate their viability.
The heritage rail trail, and parts of the bike trail, under the proposal would fall inside the City of Launceston municipality.