A past rail trail advocate has given his thoughts on the new push for a recreational track, as the same issues he experienced are being risen by its opponents.
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Former Riverina Regional Development Board executive officer Peter Dale was an integral part of a previous attempt to build a track from Wagga to Tumbarumba along the disused rail corridor.
The project was met with fierce opposition and never got past the development stage.
The current plan only involves the track between Wagga and Ladysmith, but the same divisive issues are coming to light.
While the Wagga Rail Trail committee has promised to work with landholders along the track, a number of residents have voiced their objection to the ambitious plan.
Mr Dale, who is not affiliated with the current project, said the research done in the 2000s showed positives for communities around the dilapidated tracks.
“We found that the development would have significant economic as well as health and wellbeing benefits,” Mr Dale said.
“There was tens of thousands of dollars put into research and plans for development.”
He said planners, who had been involved in rail trail projects across Australia were “gobsmacked” at the fierce opposition.
“People have a totally different mindset around southern NSW (compared to other places where rail trails have been developed),” the former Wagga mayor said.
“The current debate is rehashing all the matters that were laid out eight years ago.”
Mr Dale offered advice to the new rail trail committee.
“Find amongst the opponents someone who is clear-thinking and prepared to sit down and consider the arguments for, against and find some common ground,” he said. “But given the personalities involved, it would be extremely difficult.”
Mr Dale said rail trail advocates transported concerned landholders to Wangaratta to see a working track.
“The group was addressed by some landholders down there, and were told of the benefits,” he said.
“But the moderate opponents were overwhelmed by (more staunch objectors).
Mr Dale said rail trails in other states and countries had “clearly demonstrated” economic benefits, but even the seemingly smoothest sailing tracks ran into conflicted views.
