Full Steam Ahead for Rail Trail

Published on 17 April 2019

Rail Trail Sod Turning DSC_1292.JPG

The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail begins to take shape today with an official sod turning marking the start of the trail’s construction. 

Member for Albury Justin Clancy and former Member for Albury Greg Aplin joined Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Cr James Hayes today in turning the first sod to celebrate the official commencement of construction.

Mayor Hayes thanked the NSW Government for its contribution and says the rail trail is expected to be a boon for the region, putting the Snowy Valleys on the national cycling map and attracting more cycling events and tourism.

“Once completed the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will cement our region as a premium cycling destination and the benefits will be felt for years to come,” he said.

The Tumbarumba Friends of Rail Trail and Historical Society were also acknowledged for their passion and commitment in partnering with Snowy Valleys Council to develop the project to construction stage.

“Much work and planning has gone into a detailed assessment of the rail corridor and all its features, and we have been very fortunate to have Friends of Rail Trail and the Historical Society alongside us every step of the way,” Cr Hayes said.

“This moment truly belongs to all those here who have worked so hard for so long to make this day a reality,” said Mr Clancy. “I am pleased to represent the Premier of NSW, the Hon Gladys Berejiklian, who has been a strong supporter of the project.

“The successful completion of this project will I hope unlock the opportunity for further projects in Tumbarumba that cement it is as the outdoors destination for NSW, as well as further rail trails across the state.”

Also in attendance was Greg Aplin, the former Member for Albury, who had fought tirelessly to gain NSW Government funding for the rail trail.

“It is indeed a great pleasure to be here today, out on the ‘Trail’,” said Mr Aplin. “It was a wonderful day when I secured $5 million to get the planning underway. I cannot wait to see the Trail completed and to watch, over the years, as businesses and the Council find innovative ways to incorporate this asset into planning.”

A pilot for the State and a working model for future rail trails, the approximately 22 kilometre walking and cycling trail will run through a non-operational railway corridor between Albury Street, Tumbarumba and McEachern Lane, Rosewood. 

“The trail will complement existing and future cycling developments across the region including pump tracks, cycle paths, mountain bike trails and roadside cycling,” said Cr Hayes.

Funding of $4,900,000 for the project has been provided under the NSW Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure fund and an additional $800,000 from NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Round 2 grants. The rail trail is expected to be completed by the end of February 2020.