A GRASSROOTS community group is gathering momentum for additional rail trails to be rolled out across the region to fuel tourism growth and meet demand from the recreational cycling sector.
The Limestone Coast Rail Trail Steering Committee has now reformed after a hiatus and plans to begin lobbying regional councils for a widespread roll-out of additional rail trails.
The priority on their list is the extension of the existing rail trail – that cuts through the heart of Mount Gambier – to Cafpirco Road and the Glenburnie Racecourse.
The next priority is for the construction of a cycling trail to Port MacDonnell so cycling enthusiasts can ride to the Little Blue Lake, Mount Schank and district’s beaches.
It is also hoped the extension of rail trails will foster the number of cyclists in the region and reduce the number of accidents on the road network.
The group is already buoyed by news the Grant District Council has mooted the possible extension of the rail trail to the Glenburnie Racecourse and Cafpirco Road.
Committee spokesperson Greg Tate said the group wanted to see the rail trail rolled out from Rennick through Mount Gambier, Millicent, Beachport and up to Kalangadoo and Penola as well as Naracoorte and Kingston.
He said there was a particular focus in developing a spur trail from Mount Gambier to Port MacDonnell.
Explaining the group was not “inventing the wheel”, Mr Tate said these rail trails had been rolled out in other regions.
“There is plenty of evidence to say that people will use it if they are built,” Mr Tate said.
“Wherever they are built, people come.”
Mr Tate said it was a “no brainer” the initiative would generate tourism.
He praised Mount Gambier City Council for the roll-out of existing rail and cycling tracks, which he said were busy thoroughfares with individual cyclists and families.
“People can be regularly seen having a nice amble ride.”
Revealing the group planned to start a promotional campaign, he said the group would particularly holds talks with regional councils to spearhead the plan.
Mr Tate suggested the Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast study into freight rail opportunities could put on hold rolling rail trail from Naracoorte to Wolseley.
Fellow committee member Simon Browning said he was pleased to hear the extension of the rail trail was on Grant District Council’s radar.
“It is great to hear Grant council may be coming to the party to help move the dream on,” Mr Browning said.
“We want to see all the seven councils join up with Grant District Council to do their end to make this become a reality.”
Since the opening of the city rail trails, he said it was “amazing” amount of traffic from cyclists and pedestrian.
“It is safe, people really seem to like. People who live out in the Cafpirco Road area will be able to ride into the city as well as the people who live on the other side of the city,” Mr Browning said.
“It will open up a safe trail for the community.”
Mr Browning said rail corridors would also drive the tourism sector given the growing popularity of cycling.
He also backed calls for the existing rail corridors in Mount Gambier to be beautified with trees.
At Grant District Council’s recent meeting, elected members agreed to approach the transport department to discuss the potential construction of the project following the local government body releasing its 2019 strategic bicycle plan review.
Both of these projects would potentially need some form of lease arrangement from the transport given as the government department own and controls the rail corridor.
According to the document, the Mount Gambier to Cafpirco Road would roll-out a three metre wide shared path extending 2km from the Mount Gambier boundary (Tollner Road) to Cafpirco Road.
This section of the upgrade is estimated to be around $360,000 with 50pc of funding possibly available through the State Bicycle Fund.
Meanwhile, the Mount Gambier to Racecourse extension would see a 2.1km extension of the shared pathway from Dohle Road to the thoroughbred training centre.
People who want to join the Limestone Coast Rail Trail Steering Committee or steering group are encouraged to email the group at lcrt.sc.contact@gmail.com
