The push to transform disused rail lines to bike tracks throughout NSW has been simmering for more than a decade and a number of lines in the Riverina are at the centre of contention.

A landowner, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, has one of these lines run the length of their property on Mates Gully Road.

They said potentially affected farmers’ voices were being muted by rail trail advocates, adding there were better options that would appeal to more people.

“We are constantly copping a bashing from bike groups,” the farmer said.

“A light rail would be more friendly for people in wheelchairs, families with prams and people with disabilities. A lot of the people wanting the rail trail would probably only use it once then move on.”

The source pointed out environmental factors such as the bush fire risk to users.

“The Tarcutta fire a couple of years ago moved too quickly for anyone on the proposed line to move to safety – it came through our property in 10 minutes,” they said.  “Bike riders could not get off the line that quickly.”

The affected property owner said rail trail supporters stated in documents for the proposed Gilmore Valley Line they would install a fire bunker to fix issue, but the farmer said the cost of building a suitable one would be astronomical.

Gilmore Progress Association (GPA) president Jonathan Caffery said the group has never bullied landholders, saying at last count there was only one person, who was directly affected by the proposed Tumut to Batlow trail, supporting the development.

“There’s no pressure from anyone in this group,” Mr Caffery said.

“We just leave them alone.”

The claims come as calls to install a trail on the Wagga to Ladysmith, and beyond, gain momentum.

Developers Brunslea Park said it would like to see a bike track from Forest Hill to the Wagga CBD.

Snowy Valleys Shire – the amalgamated Tumut and Tumbarumba shires – has thrown $3.5 million to the Tumbarumba to Rosewood trail, which is widely regarded as the pilot rail trail for the rest of the state.

Tumut council voted against supporting the Tumut to Batlow rail trail project in February.