THE proposed Tumbarumba-Rosewood rail trail has taken a step forward with the state government selecting it as a pilot project.
The project is the only one to be funded out of 12 submissions to the government.
The Minister for Regional Development, John Barilaro, said Tumbarumba Shire Council’s $5 million submission for a 21-kilometre trail was the strongest application.
“The government feels the Tumbarumba proposal is worthy of further investigation as we progress this pilot process,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Further work is required in order for the proposal to be fully developed and then further evaluated, but the proposed trail would potentially run through some of the most scenic countryside in NSW and help link vineyards, a museum and other small businesses.”
After hearing of the government’s decision, council resolved to work with the NSW Department of Industry to further the plan.
A steering committee will be formed by the department to work through the proposal.
The chairman of Riverina Highlands Rail Trail Incorporated, Owen Fitzgerald, welcomed the funding announcement.
“It’s very positive,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “We are very gratified, but having said that, there is still an enormous amount of consultation and work to be done. This government is very keen to make sure this rail trail is completed to the highest standard.”
