A state government plan for the North-East’s rail trail and heritage railway already has the ‘right balance’, says Treasurer Peter Gutwein.
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At the City of Launceston council meeting on September 24, councillors voted in favor of a recommendation to change the route for both projects.
The new route would have the heritage railway run from Turners Marsh to Wyena, and bike rail trail extending from Lilydale Falls to Lilydale.
The state government’s plan original plan was for the heritage rail to run between Coldwater Creek, Turners Marsh, and Lilydale, and rail trail between Lilydale Falls and Scottsdale.
Mr Gutwein said he noted the council agreed with the state government’s assessment that both projects had capacity to generate economic and employment benefits for the state’s North.
“The government’s policy in respect of both projects strikes the right balance and maximises the chances of both projects becoming viable tourist attractions servicing the state’s North-East,” he said.
Following the council meeting, the City of Launceston will contact the Dorset Council and the Launceston and North-East Railway organisation to urge them to work together on the projects in an attempt for the two successfully coexist.
The council will also urge the Dorset Council to seek extra funding from the state government.
Dorset mayor Greg Howard said the City of Launceston’s recommendation did not make a difference to his region.
“They don’t get to make the call, and nor do we. It’ll be made by the state government,” he said.
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