Rail trail supporters have claimed groups against the concept are intimidating individual property owners in a classic case of peer pressure.
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The push for rail trails in our region continues to grow as more voices come out of the woodwork to speak out against what they call a vocal minority.
It comes as a local developer has thrown its support behind a Wagga-based rail trail, creating a bike route connecting Forest Hill and the city.
It brings the number of rail trails on the list to four, including Tumbarumba-Rosewood, Coolac-Tumblong, and Tumut-Batlow.
The latter has received massive backlash from land owners surrounding the rail corridor, with signs being put up protesting the project.
A land holder on the Coolac-Tumblong line, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said those opposing the development needed to stop being narrow-minded.
“Take the emotion out of it and look at it objectively,” he said.
“To the detractors, open your eyes, do some sound research and have a look at the pros and cons to make an informed decision.”
He said some of the arguments of those against rail trails didn’t make sense and challenged those against the idea to travel to an existing one to see what they are all about.
“The type of people who would travel half a day in a car, unload a bike and go for a ride are not going there to cause mayhem,” he said.
“They won’t be stealing stuff, chasing livestock or going off track.”
Another landholder on the Coolac-Tumblong line, Andrew Scott, said he had seen first-hand the boost a community could receive from the tourist attraction.
He said farmers were initially annoyed at the concept for a number of years, but could now see the benefits to the community.
“I’ve been going to New Zealand for 10 years for work and have been on the Otago trail,” the 47-year-old said.
“I saw how (the community) turned around over that period.”
Mr Scott said the rail trail would be a boost to any community in the region.
“Times are getting hard.”
Meanwhile, Brunslea Park has added its weight to the Wagga rail trail project.
General manager Samantha Brunskill said she would work with Wagga Rail Trail to garner community support.
“It has the potential to contribute positively to our regional identity.”
