Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Tasmanian Government backs rail trail projects to boost regional tourism

Tasmanian Government backs rail trail projects to boost regional tourism
August 26, 2016

The Tasmanian Government has introduced new legislation that will enable non-operational railway lines to be used for a range of recreational uses other than rail, including as cycle and walking tracks, horse riding and running.

Aiming to support recreational and tourism initiatives along with across the State, particularly in regional Tasmania, the legislation has been widely welcomed because of its potential to drive economic development in regional areas.

While retaining the non-operational rail corridors in public hands, known as “rail banking”, for possible future development options, the legislation will allow the Tasmanian Government to consider alternative uses of non-operational corridors where there is no foreseeable need for rail services, where the alternative use has a demonstrated community benefit and does not preclude future rail use.

An example of alternative use is the North East Rail Trail project that will use the non-operational North East rail corridor.

The Dorset Council has secured $1.47 million from the Federal Government to develop the project, which Dorset Mayor Greg Howard describes as a “game changer that will generate jobs, stimulate infrastructure growth and help the North-East economy diversify from traditional forestry and agriculture-based industries.”

Howard adds “(the) legislation clears up inconsistencies with title arrangements on some short sections of the rail corridor and opens up options for further expansion of the Rail Trail.

“Opening up the Rail Trail means that a wide diversity of people can use it, including not only cyclists, but walkers and horse riders.

“This is a key jobs and infrastructure development for North East (Tasmania and) in time, the economic benefits flowing from a rail trail originating in Launceston extending deep into the North-East will be huge.”

The Tasmanian Government has also provided in-principle support to the Burnie City Council and the Waratah-Wynyard Council for the development of a coastal cycleway on the Wiltshire Line rail corridor.

Images: Rail trail in Eurobin, north east Victoria, courtesy of the Bicycle Network (top) and a map showing the North East Rail Trail prject (below). 

16th May 2016 - TASMANIAN COUNCILS AIM TO EXPAND MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURISM

12th June 2014 - NSW GOVERNMENT TO BACK RAIL TRAILS

20th April 2014 - ALICE SPRINGS WELCOMES NEW WORLD-CLASS MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL NETWORK

2nd July 2013 - TRAILS AND BIKEWAYS PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN TASMANIA

16th April 2013 - MOUNTAIN BIKING TOURISM BOOST FOR LAUNCESTON 

16th July 2012 - TRC TOURISM GETS $1 MILLION TO IMPROVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES IN NATIONAL LANDSCAPES 


Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

VITEC

Stadiums and venues around the world recognise that success hinges on more than just what happens on the pitch. More than ever, fan engagement within each facility is a critical part of the overall…

read more

Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

Fluidra Commercial

  Fluidra Commercial Australia develops innovative, highly technical and sustainable solutions designed to create unique aquatic facilities for the 'Commercial Pool' category. Public…

read more

Aquatics / Environment / Sport / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Riedel Communications Australia Pty Ltd

We live for media production and global events, providing real-time networks for video, audio, data and communications.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Venues

 
 

Quayclean

Quayclean are a national cleaning and waste services partner with proven results in the understanding and delivery of cleaning needs and challenges faced by facilities including; major venues and…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Surfaces / Venues

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

Gladstone MRM

Gladstone Health & Leisure (Gladstone MRM Pty Ltd Australia) is a leading supplier of leisure management and fitness software and is endorsed by leading health and fitness professionals and…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology / Venues

 
 

TICKETSERV

As of 2018, TicketServ operates as SeatGeek Asia Pacific Pty Limited, part of international ticketing platform SeatGeek. Click here to contact SeatGeek Asia Pacific via their entry in…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Events / Sport / Ticketing

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business