FUNDING remains the biggest hurdle in the expansion of the South East’s rail trail network, with the 12km stretch linking Penola and Coonawarra estimated to cost around $2m.
Public discussion continues to centre around a shared use path along the disused rail corridor linking Mount Gambier and Penola.
However, Wattle Range Council chief executive Ben Gower said no formal funding requests had been made, but confirmed council has received letters in support of the proposal.
The senior council official has also expressed interest in a proposed cycling trail network linking Adelaide and Melbourne, but said funding remained a “major challenge”.
“The problem that is preventing it the most is the cost,” Mr Gower said.
“We are currently focusing on a trail connecting Penola to Coonawarra based around the cellar doors and for that 12km trail it is estimated to cost around $2m alone.
“What we do want to focus on is the smaller areas that have the most value.”
Penola resident and avid cyclist John Kidman said a trail linking Mount Gambier and Naracoorte would be ideal for international cyclists, with the 100km stretch a perfect distance.
“To go from Mount Gambier through to Naracoorte would be world renown but we need to get the council on board.
“As soon as a rail trail goes in cyclists have a safe trail around town and a safer area to ride their bikes.”
While hopeful the shared use path network would be expanded across the Wattle Range district, Mr Kidman remained critical of council’s No Bicycle Zone in Penola’s central business district – restricting cyclists from riding on footpaths.
Council introduced the restrictions in July, 2016 after changes to state legislation, which allowed cyclists of all ages to ride on all footpaths unless prohibited by local councils.
A public consultation period saw 118 responses received by council, with 64pc supporting the ban, which covers the footpath on both sides of Church Street, between Riddoch Street and Arthur Street.
Mr Kidman said the ban was “ridiculous” and claimed it could impact on tourism opportunities.
“Around town we have these silly little signs that say there will be no riding or cycling on footpaths,” Mr Kidman said.
“The Wattle Range Council is the most ignorant council in the state when it comes to cycling because as far as I know they are the only council within the state to have put a ban on riding on a footpath.
“If I come over from America to Mount Gambier and travel up to Penola on a rail trail I want to be able to ride my bike in town it is a no brainer.”
Mr Gower said the ban was debated by council, stating he did not believe it was an “ignorance issue”, but rather “a considered decision” based on public safety around shopping precincts.
Council recently met with the Department of Transport to discuss the trail implementation in the Coonawarra region, with Mr Gower also expressing council’s interest in a proposed trail from Adelaide to Melbourne.
“We do know the current state government is interested in connecting Adelaide to Melbourne through a series of cycling trails and we would be supportive in those opportunities,” Mr Gower said.
“Council have also thought about the economic value and the tourism aspect of the trail if it did go ahead particularly around the Coonawarra area.
“Yet the decision does come down to securing funding.”
