Conkey backs a Wagga rail trail

At Monday night’s council meeting, Cr Conkey will appeal to fellow councillors to back his motion, making an official commitment to back the Wagga rail trail. 

The fresh push comes as supporters prepare to launch a  crowdfunding campaign to bankroll a rail trail development plan next month.

Wagga Rail Trail chair Lisa Glastonbury said an official gesture by council will enable supporters to get the estimated $60,000 to $80,000 needed for the preliminary plans.

Such a commitment will not require any finance from council’s coffers, she said. 

“We think we can raise the majority of the money from within the community,” Ms Glastonbury said.

“This is something the community really wants and they will rally behind the cause.” 

Cr Conkey said he was backing the Wagga rail trail despite opposition from some landowners, who argue the path supersedes their rights to privacy and safety. 

“From my knowledge, the people who normally use rail trails are very responsible people, they respect privacy of adjoining landowners,” he said.

“I believe the vast majority of the community would support [a rail trail] and use it.”

Ms Glastonbury previously canvassed rail trail support during the local council election and is confident the motion will pass. 

“All of our current councillors know what the plans are about, they really understand what it’s all about,” she said.

Cr Conkey said while no financial commitment to a rail trail would be made on Monday night,  he was open to monetary support later down the track once financial costings were completed.

“I am sure if a request came to provide funds, it would be favourably considered somewhere down the track,” he said. 

Wagga Rail Trail is campaigning for the 21-kilometre disused rail corridor to  Ladysmith to be converted into a path for recreational use.