Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Officially Opens via Video
Published on 02 April 2020
Member for Albury Justin Clancy will join Snowy Valleys Council Mayor James Hayes, Councillor Julia Ham, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail committee and others to officially open the $5.7 million Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail via video this Friday.
Due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements and the bans on non-essential travel the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail committee have worked with Council and Mr Clancy’s office to virtually celebrate the completion of construction on the first Government funded rail trail for NSW.
“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.
“It showcases the region’s natural assets, while also preserving and highlighting the local rail history and constitutes a fantastic new attraction for visitors who will come all year long from inside and outside the region to enjoy the new facilities”.
A pilot for the State and a working model for future rail trails, the approximately 22 kilometre walking and cycling trail runs through a non-operational railway corridor between Albury Street, Tumbarumba and McEachern Lane, Rosewood.
Snowy Valleys Council received funding of $5,700,000 for the project under the State Government’s Restart NSW Regional Tourism Infrastructure fund and Round Two of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities grants.
“I’d like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has worked so hard for so long to make this project a reality,” said Snowy Valleys Council Mayor James Hayes.
“The recent bushfires, floods and now the COVID-19 restrictions could have been major setbacks for the build; but our team, and the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail Committee and Historical Society remained dedicated and the trail has been delivered on time, and on budget, which is a fantastic achievement.
“This rail trail will significantly enhance the Snowy Valleys as a cycling destination and complements existing and future cycling developments across the region including our mountain bike trails and roadside cycling.
“I look forward to the future when we can welcome rail trail enthusiasts from across Australia and from around the world to join us in riding, running and walking the 22 kilometres from Tumbarumba to Rosewood".
The Tumbarumbra to Rosewood Rail Trail is a multipurpose sealed trail with interpretative and informative signage installed along the trail to guide visitors, as well as seating for rest and recovery. The trail has been designed to be suitable for prams, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
The official opening video will be shared via the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail’s facebook page on Friday 3 April 2020 at 11.30am.