WITH Limestone Coast residents and visitors to the region flocking to Mount Gambier’s Rail Trail each day, calls for an extension through Penola and Coonawarra have been reignited.
Currently spanning just over 5km, the Limestone Coast Rail Trail steering committee hopes a system of trails around the entire South East can be created to mirror those in western Victoria and Adelaide.
As the current disused track extends through Penola and Coonawarra passing the well-loved Coonawarra Siding, the group believes it is ideal for a rail trail extension.
Although the group has lobbied for the project, a report currently being prepared into the possible return of freight rail to the South East could derail the proposal.
“If they do decide to return freight rail to the South East we will have to look at other options for the trail,” committee spokesperson Greg Tate said.
“We do have a few ideas in mind, with the line’s service track one of the options on the table.”
“So we’re confident we can get something going regardless of whether there’s trains returning or not.”
Wanting to see the trail rolled out through Mount Gambier, Millicent, Beachport, Naracoorte and Kingston in addition to Penola and Coonawarra, Mr Tate said the group needs more sub-committees to gain momentum.
“At the moment a sub-committee has recently been started in Kalangadoo,” he said.
“If the smaller towns around the region get on board and start their own committees the we can really get things moving.
“At the moment we are all volunteers and working in our own free time planning the trail, but extra hands would really help the cause.”
With many vignerons around the region opting for pedal-power over driving around the vineyards, Mr Tate said it was the perfect next location.
As the trail is currently well utilised in Mount Gambier, the extension throughout the South East is something he believes will be a great boost to tourism.
“We see so many residents and visitors to the region utilising the trail every day,” he said.
“Why would we want to miss the opportunity to bring that kind of interaction to smaller towns like Penola or Beachport?
“It’s proven these kind of trails bring in people to the region, just look at the major cities that have something similar.
“It’s great for walkers, cyclists, hikers, anyone who loves a bit of fresh air and exercise.”
With current plans to extend the trail from Cafpirco Road in Mount Gambier to the Glenburnie Racecourse, Mr Tate believes the popularity will continues to grow.
Mr Tate also highlighted the safety benefits behind having a trail throughout the South East.
“It’s obviously quite daunting for less experience cyclists or visitors to the region to be riding along our busy roads and highways, a trail gives them the opportunity to explore without that added stress,” he said.
“Safety on the roads for cyclists and motorists is key and this trail will vastly improve that.
“I think it will also boost the popularity of cycling in the region which is already growing every day.”
Email lcrt.sc.contact@gmail.com get in contact with Mr Tate about joining the committee or creating a Penola Coonawarra sub-committee.
