Tasmanian Rail Trail Extension Gets Launceston Council Green Light

Lilydale, Tasmania A proposed 41km extension of northern Tasmania’s North East Rail Trail has cleared a major milestone, with Launceston Council last week giving approval for the section within its boundaries. City of Launceston’s decision to approve its 14km section, from Wyena to Lilydale Falls Reserve, comes a year after the neighbouring Dorset Council endorsed…

Master Plan to Make Snowy Valleys a World Class Trail Destination

Family cycling on rail trail

Tumut, NSW Snowy Valleys Council is looking to significantly expand its already extensive network of cycling and hiking trails, as it aims to make the south-eastern NSW region a world-class trail destination. The council recently concluded community consultation for its draft Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan, which will serve as its 10-year blueprint for…

New Cycling Strategy for Northern Victorian Region

Two people cycling across a bridge in bushland setting

Kerang, Victoria Walking and cycling infrastructure in north-western Victoria is set to be boosted by a Walking and Cycling Strategy adopted by Gannawarra Shire Council recently. The 21 actions in the strategy include a proposed 22km Kerang to Koondrook Rail Trail, along a former tramways route from Kerang from the Koondrook Wharf. The Victorian government…

Community Comment Invited on Snowy Valley Trail Plan

Family riding bicycles on path in rural setting

Tumbarumba, NSW Public comment is being sought on a tracks and trails network masterplan to link towns and villages throughout the Snowy Valleys Region, in southern NSW. The Regional Tracks and Trails Master Plan, developed by Snowy Valleys Council in collaboration with consultants Tredwell, is open for public comment until 10 January. Five priority new…

NSW Rail Trails on Track Following Legislation Change

Rail Trails Australia exhibit stand

Sydney, NSW NSW is poised to gain a rapid succession of new rail trails over the next few years, in the wake of recent legislative changes to remove a major obstacle to converting disused rail corridors into cycling and walking trails, according to Australia’s peak rail trails advocacy group. “Hopefully within five years we could…

WA MTB Strategy Recommends State-Wide Trail Network

Mountain bikers riding on trail

Perth, WA A Western Australian Mountain Bike Strategy released last month has proposed the development of a state-wide network of sustainable mountain bike facilities and experiences. The 10-year strategy, for mountain biking and off-road cycling in WA, says a state-wide network, based on an existing significance hierarchy would help ensure trail developments are “of the…

Tasmanian Rail Trail Extension Open for Public Comment

North East Rail Trail

Lilydale, Tasmania A vital section of a proposed rail trail extension in north-eastern Tasmania is open for community comment until 14th September. The City of Launceston is inviting comment on a development application for the 14km section that sits within its local government area, between Wyena and Lilydale Falls Reserve. It’s part of a total…

Rail Trails Bill Speeds Through NSW Parliament

Artist’s impression of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Sydney, NSW A Rail Trails Bill to streamline the creation of rail trails in NSW has been passed by both houses of parliament on consecutive days last week. The draft legislation – to amend the Transport Administration Act 1988 and authorise the temporary repurposing of all or part of a non-operational railway corridor in non-metropolitan…

Rail Trail Legislation on Track for NSW Upper House

Tumbarumba Rail Trail

Sydney, NSW Draft legislation to expedite the conversion of disused rail corridors to rail trails, potentially making thousands of kilometres of abandoned railway lines available, is scheduled to be considered by the NSW Upper House on 9th August. Rail Trails Australia has welcomed the draft legislation and is appealing for people to voice their support…

Framework Launched to Guide More Rail Trails in NSW

Linda Cash riding the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail.

Tumbarumba, NSW A NSW Rail Trail Framework was released by the State Government this week to help expedite the creation of additional trails in NSW. “The framework will expedite the development of rail trails across NSW by clarifying the proposal and approval process, as well as providing guidance for general rail trail operation and maintenance.”…