NEW ENGLAND RAIL TRAIL Proposal for the development of the New England Rail Trail, from Black Mountain to Ben Lomond, via Guyra

New England Rail Trail Inc. PRESERVATION | EDUCATION |

STIMULATION Planning Document

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 2

BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................. 3

History ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Condition of the Line Infrastructure ........................................................................................................... 3

Current Uses of the Line & Assets............................................................................................................... 3

New England Rail Trail Inc. .......................................................................................................................... 4

Alignment with NSW 2021 Plan .................................................................................................................. 5

BENEFITS ......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Community health and wellbeing ............................................................................................................... 6

Economic ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Tourism ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

Attractions............................................................................................................................................... 7

Events ...................................................................................................................................................... 7

Environmental ............................................................................................................................................. 8

Cultural / Heritage ...................................................................................................................................... 8

ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................. 9

VIABILITY ....................................................................................................................................................... 10

Project Establishment ............................................................................................................................... 10

Ongoing Maintenance............................................................................................................................... 10

SUSTAINABILITY ............................................................................................................................................ 11

VISION ........................................................................................................................................................... 12

Extension of Rail Trail ................................................................................................................................ 12

Future Management ................................................................................................................................. 12

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THE PROPOSAL

That the rail corridor between Black Mountain Railway Station and Ben Lomond Railway Station, a total of 34km,

be leased to New England Rail Trail Incorporated for the purposes of utilising the existing rail corridor for

recreation, including cycling, walking, and horse riding.

That the current rail infrastructure, including lines and sleepers, be gifted to New England Rail Trail Inc. parts of

this infrastructure that are not essential railway heritage will be removed from the site and sold to, in part, fund

the cost of works required to develop a suitable rail trail.

That a 2.8 - 3 metre gravel trail be installed along the existing rail corridor and maintained through funds sourced

by New England Rail Trail Inc.

INTRODUCTION The New England Rail Trail Inc. (NERT Inc.) was established to develop the proposed New England Rail

Trail (the Trail). The proposed trail will run between Black Mountain, through Guyra, to Ben Lomond in

the Northern Tablelands region of New South Wales. 34 kilometres in total, with Guyra being the tourism

focal point and the management hub for the trail.

The proposed New England Rail Trail is a combined two way cycle, walking and potentially, a horse riding

trail developed on the Great Northern Railway corridor, initially between Black Mountain and Ben

Lomond, with possible future extensions to Wallangarra and Armidale. The Trail is to be developed in full

consultation with all stakeholders.

Rail trails are proven shared multiple-use pathways that connect communities, and benefit the users and

entire regions. They encourage recreational use at all fitness levels and stimulate local economies

because the original permanent way is retained, rail trails do not impede future return to rail transport

and allow local users, other regions and countries to learn about our rail, rural and towns history.

Rail trails have been developed extensively in America, Europe, New Zealand and other states of Australia, and are growing in popularity. Studies have indicated significant economic, health and social benefits to communities where rail trails have been developed.

The initial section of rail trail is relatively short (34km) and is contained within a single Local Government Area. A rail trail of this length is matched to the capacity of the Guyra community to develop and manage it. Following Victorian examples, this will allow the community to embrace and absorb the project. This section is also ideal for a pilot project due to the climate, scenery, location, major stakeholder support, and the unique tourism opportunities for the New England/Northern Tablelands region.

This pilot project has the potential to be extended to provide a unique experience and significant benefits to the entire New England High Country region. Following the success of this pilot project, it is envisioned that the trail will be extended to run from Armidale to Wallangarra. This would allow tourists to travel by plane or train to Armidale, then spend a considerable amount of time in our region, exploring the natural beauty, historical

significance, and unique experiences; riding through to Wallangarra and the Granite Belt.

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BACKGROUND

History The line between Black Mountain,

Guyra, Llangothlin and Ben Lomond

was opened on 18 August, 1884 and

after nearly 105 years of service the

Guyra station closed on 4 March,

19891. The year 2014 marks 130

years of its opening from Armidale

to Glen Innes. The line was, and still

is, the highest part of the rail

network in Australia.

The rail trail project will incorporate

information about the historical

significance of the Great Northern

Railway and educate children and

visitors about the role this infrastructure played in our community.

Condition of the Line Infrastructure The operational condition of the line requires extensive work with the replacement of all sleepers.

The combination of 80lb, 93lb and 104lb line is in reasonable condition. This information was

supplied by Guyra and District Historical Society and Machinery Group (GDHSMG) and past railway

employees in the area.

The line follows close to the Great Dividing Range and has no creeks or streams bisecting the line.

Current Uses of the Line & Assets The rail corridor has existing grazing agreements with adjacent landholders, with a small section

between Guyra Station and north of Rotary Park being leased by the GDHSMG providing tourism

rides and local council with services and leases. The Black Mountain Preservation Society Inc. leases

the Black Mountain Railway Station and the Station Masters residence. The Society maintains these

heritage listed buildings and the surrounding grounds. Guyra Shire Council leases the Ben Lomond

Railway Station with Ben Lomond Landcare managing and maintaining the area and buildings. Some

areas of the corridor are completely disused.

Despite the desire in some sections of the community for the return of rail passenger and freight

services, this is unlikely to occur:

Planning is well advanced on an inland freight route that bypasses New England. With the closure of rail services in 1989, this leaves the New England rail corridor as redundant transport infrastructure with no possibility of future use for transport.

1 Hill, Nola (1989), Guyra and the Railway, in The Guyra and District Historical Society Journal No 2, The Guyra

and District Historical Society, Guyra NSW.

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New England Rail Trail Inc. New England Rail Trail Inc. (NERT Inc.) is a community group with members from the Guyra district.

The group is currently becoming incorporated. This community group was developed in April 2014

and key drivers for the group are local representatives from each area involved in the project.

The objectives of New England Rail Trail Inc. are:

To facilitate and oversee the development of the New England Rail Trail, with consequent

health benefits for the local community, tourism contributions to the local economy and

preservation of the railway heritage of the region;

To consult with all stakeholders and build community support for the Rail Trail;

To promote local business ventures based on the Rail Trail;

To promote educational and historical resources located along the Trail;

To facilitate and coordinate the land and environmental management on the rail corridor;

To ensure the rail corridor is preserved as a public asset and utilised by the community; and

To provide ongoing maintenance and development of the rail corridor.

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Alignment with NSW 2021 Plan This concept aligns with the NSW Governments 2021 Plan by addressing the following goals:

GOAL 3 Drive Economic Growth in Regional NSW This trail will provide an opportunity for significant growth in Regional NSW, particularly if expanded

to encompass the whole New England region.

Goal 11 Keep people healthy and out of hospital Walking and cycling are passive activities that improve peoples general health and wellbeing.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of serious illness, reducing hospital admittance significantly.

Goal 22 Protect our natural environment The project will provide opportunities for groups and people to be engaged in the ongoing

protection of our natural environment through education, appreciation, and enhancement activities.

Goal 23 Increase opportunities for people to look after their own neighbourhoods

and environment Local groups and organisations will develop partnerships to engage the community in environmental

sustainability projects along the rail corridor.

Goal 24 Make it easier for people to be involved in their communities This is a 100% community driven project.

Goal 27 Enhance cultural, creative, sporting, and recreation opportunities The rail trail will provide opportunities for people to participate in recreation which may be

otherwise unavailable or unattainable due to perceived safety issues with walking and cycling on

roads. The trail links aspects of cultural significance and aims to highlight the historical uses of the

rail. The trail will also link key sporting facilities within the area, allowing people safe passage to

sporting events.

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BENEFITS Community health and wellbeing Participation in physical activity has been rapidly increasing in the Guyra Shire on the back of the

Australian Federal Government funded Healthy Highlanders program. The Guyra Community Fitness

trail has received significant usage from the community

since its installation in April 2013. In recent years

participation in recreational transport has risen

significantly, particularly participation in cycling for

leisure and fitness.

The provision of a rail trail, 34km in length, will provide a

safe and reliable place for residents and visitors to

engage in cycling, walking and general passive

recreational activities.

Respondents to a survey conducted by Guyra Shire Council in 2013 indicated that their primary

reasons for not participating in cycling are safety concerns and lack of adequate paths/lanes. The

proposed rail trail will significantly reduce these concerns. An exclusively recreational track that is

not shared with motorists, allows participation in these activities in a safer environment.

Cycling has recently seen increased participation, which provides positive outcomes for the

communities that embrace this lifestyle. Results from 116 touring cyclists in a 2013 online survey

showed2:

92% were over 40 years old 38% spent over $100 per day while cycle touring 54% rode for 10 days or more when cycle touring 53% had ridden the Victorian Murray to the mountains rail trail 69% had ridden on overseas rail trails (EG: The Otago rail trail, NZ)

Economic Guyra Shire population (4,645 people), has recently been boosted by a surge in housing

development and had the best growth rate of the region with a 6.8% increase over the last five

years. Projects such as the rail trail will provide links to this expanding community and the outlying

villages, while also offering more to people looking at making a move to the country.

The initial construction of the rail trail will utilise existing resources and businesses in the local area

to undertake works. This will boost the local economy and potentially provide employment for local

contractors.

Research has identified that rail trails such as this can increase the local economy by $121 per

overnight stay and daily visitors spending $51. The number of daily visitors in the initial opening

phase is not known at this stage; however initial estimates from other States and countries have

always been greatly exceeded. The extension of the Trail to Wallangarra, Armidale will allow the

Trail to reach a much wider segment of the tourism market, with a concomitant substantial increase

in the number of Trail users.

2 Rail Trails 4 NSW (2014), retrieved from http://www.railtrailsnsw.com.au/

Primary reasons for not

participating in

cycling are safety

concerns and lack of

adequate paths/lanes

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Existing businesses which will gain from the Rail Trail: Accommodation businesses recreation and bowling club, hotels, motels, farm stays, bed

and breakfasts, and highest caravan park in Australia. Guyra has a number of unique speciality stores Coffee shops, cafes and restaurants

Potential new businesses and services: Localised coffee shops at each station Rail memorabilia museums or gift shops Bicycle services, sales, rentals, repairs, equipment Tourism operators Increased accommodation outlets farm stays, cabins, motels, etc

Tourism The New England Rail Trail has the potential to significantly increase tourism in the Guyra Shire and

the wider New England Region, especially if the trail is eventually extended through adjoining shires.

Riding the Rail Trail would appeal to everyone from bike enthusiasts to families. An indication of the

magnitude of this increase is given by the experience of the rail trails of north eastern Victoria, which

attract some 40,000 visitors every year3.

The Guyra Shire is ideally located midway between Sydney and Brisbane on the Northern Tablelands

and only two hours west of Coffs Harbour. Accessibility could be further enhanced by working with

State Rail to encourage cyclists to travel by train from Sydney with the possibility of having a cyclist

rail car fitted out with bike storage. The trail provides the perfect opportunity for people to escape

the summer heat and enjoy the high country environment and scenery.

Attractions Riding the Rail Trail would be the main attraction with the following also of interest to tourists:

Highest above sea level, at Ben Lomond, 1448 metres

Deepest hand cutting by manual labour, located on the northern line at Ben Lomond

Historic agricultural stations, and picturesque high country grazing landscapes

Thunderbolt's Cave

Mother of Ducks Lagoon, a NPWS site

Little Llangothlin Reserve, a Ramsar Wetland

Well preserved historical railway stations, a local historical museum, and a railway museum

History of the railway, and the local region, both indigenous and non-indigenous, displayed

and explained along the trail

Specialist interests such as bird watching, fossicking and farm stays

Side trips to mountain bike trails, such as those on the Travelling Stock Reserve at the Devils

Pinch (3km east of Black Mountain)

Events Rotary Christmas Street Parade

Lamb and Potato Festival 2 weeks on the New England Highway

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Bike Challenge

Tour de Rocks attracting 500 riders annually

Guyra Show

Guyra Campdraft

3 Rail Trails 4 NSW (2014), retrieved from http://www.railtrailsnsw.com.au/

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Environmental There are areas of environmental significance close to the rail corridor, including Mother of Ducks

Lagoon which is managed by NSW Parks and Wildlife. Increased uptake of cycling and walking on the

Rail Trail adjacent to the Lagoon will contribute to local environmental awareness. Further from the

corridor, but within cycling distance, is the Little Llangothlin Reserve, a RAMSAR wetland of

international significance and suspected breeding site for the nationally endangered Australasian

Bittern.

Preliminary discussions with Southern New England Land Care indicate that this organisation will be

able to contribute expertise and facilitate community consultation for the management of native

flora and fauna in the rail corridor.

Cultural / Heritage It is essential to leave short sections rails in place in a number of locations, so that activities such as

display and/or operation of vintage railway machinery and rail biking can be carried out. The

retention of rails in the general precinct of the railway stations is essential to preserve the historical

character of these areas.

A number of community groups have leases or tenancy agreements with the State Rail Authority for

their use of railway buildings. Once again, the continuation of these leases is essential to the success

of the rail trail. The efforts of these groups have been extremely important in maintaining the

railway heritage along the line, and it is this railway heritage that will be one of the main attractions

for people using the rail trail.

Experience elsewhere with rail trails shows that they are a great opportunity to inform a much wider

audience about the history of the rail corridor. Interpretive signs can be placed at significant places

on the line, telling about the events that happened there (such as in July 1928 when the Brisbane

Express carrying the NZ All Blacks derailed just south of Black Mountain Station). The railway

stations are ideal places for more information boards and displays about the history of the line and

the locality.

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ISSUES Level road crossings fall into local council jurisdiction at this stage safety standards need to be

addressed to incorporate a NSW standard and/or adopt a similar standard from other states. We

envisage safety barriers/turnstiles at both sides of a level crossing with appropriate safety signage

ensuring a safe crossing; there are 8 of these crossings to

consider. The Roads and Maritime Services have offered

advice and assistance in this area.

Existing lease holders have been identified and are

considered to be important partners for NERT Inc. For

example, the Guyra and District Historical Society

Machinery Group, for rail historical and tourism support;

local graziers for their continued support for corridor

maintenance/wellbeing, and to also reduce fire hazards,

weeds, and pests as per their current leasing arrangements.

It is proposed that coexistence agreements be made with existing leaseholders to ensure all needs

are met and that the trail is maintained appropriately.

NERT Inc. will have the appropriate Public Liability insurance. Work Health and Safety guidelines will

be adhered to, should we be given the opportunity to pursue this matter further we will engage

Workcover or other certified body to assist in understanding our requirements.

Existing lease holders

have been identified

and are considered to

be important partners

for NERT Inc.

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VIABILITY Project Establishment A full feasibility study will be undertaken should the proposal be considered. This feasibility study

will analyse the cost / benefit relationship of removal of the line, identify areas of the existing line

that should be retained, and investigate sources of income and projected expenditure for the

project.

Prior to this full feasibility study, NERT Inc., have received Initial quotes which indicated a cost of

$34,937.50/km for the establishment of the rail trail.

Ongoing Maintenance This can be funded through income generation activities such as:

Signage The rail trail provides a unique advertising opportunity for local, regional, and

national businesses with potential for advertising signs being installed along the route.

Advertisements could attract an annual fee of approximately $500/sign (plus installation

costs incurred by the business); with approximately 34 advertisement signs along the 34km

route this equates to annual revenue of $17,000.

Website / Brochure Sponsors businesses and individuals could sponsor the rail trail and

have their logo displayed in promotional material for the rail trail.

Tax deductable donations to non profit organisation New England Rail Trail, the intention

is to register the NERT Inc. as a tax deductible organisation for donations to be acceptable

and legal.

In-kind contributions weed and pest management can be provided through mutually

beneficial grazing agreements

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SUSTAINABILITY Southern New England Landcare are a proven leader within the region, connecting and empowering

community to own and adopt change to improve natural resource management and sustainable

agriculture. They have identified areas where their organisation is willing and able to provide

support to the NERT such as:

Group administration, business and governance matters

Facilitation for action planning and review

Developing local partnerships

Weed and pest animal control

Environmental survey, assessment, remediation, and monitoring (including issues related to

native vegetation, soil erosion, managed grazing systems, water quality, and property

management)

A cooperative arrangement between the New England Rail Trail Inc. and Southern New England

Landcare will provide positive outcomes for the sustainability of the rail corridor, and also the

sustainability of these organisations in our community.

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VISION Extension of Rail

Trail In order to obtain the

critical mass which a rail

trail requires to

economically sustain the

communities and

corridors, the rail trail

will potentially run from

Armidale to Wallangarra.

We see the rail head

starting from Armidale

Airport, down to

Armidale Railway Station,

via the University of New

England. The trail will

then extend through the

entire New England High

Country, and finish at

Wallangarra on the

Queensland border. At

Wallangarra the trail will

meet with the Southern

Downs Steam Railway,

which operates a tourism

steam train.

Future

Management Considerable thought has

been given to managing

the corridor, or crown

land, by working in a

close partnership with

Southern New England

Landcare.