Gippsland Rail Trails Summit

RTA News Spring 2015w_RailtrailsConnections 10/08/2015 21:10 Page 1

Spring 2015 $6.50 inc. GST Volume 22 Issue 1 Print Post Publication No. 341059 / 00003

Gippsland Rail Trail Summit meeting

The Clare Valley’s Reisling Rail Trail

Protecting our fragile timber bridges

Re-imagining the future in Northern NSW

Above: Maronghi Ck bridge on a yet to be developed section of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in 2011 after surviving yet another major flood Below: Maronghi Ck bridge after the 2013 floods where three piers were washed out. It is not clear why the bridge did not survive this flood but its loss is obviously a major impediment to the development of this scenic section of the rail trail. Both photos Peter Klies RTA News Spring 2015w_RailtrailsConnections 10/08/2015 21:10 Page 2

Rail Trail Connections President’s platform RAIL TRAILS AUSTRALIA MEMBERSHIP AND ORDER FORM You can also order, join or renew online at www.railtrails.org.au/online-store This publication is registered with Australia Post A ride on the wonderful Lilydale to Finally just a reminder that we always Warburton Rail Trail outside Melbourne appreciate articles of interest for Rail VIC/SA GUIDE BOOK JOIN RAILTRAILS RAIL TRAILS OF TASMANIA PrintPost Publication no: 100019894 with fellow members of Rail Trails Trail Connections. If you are involved SUPPLEMENT 2013 AUSTRALIA GUIDE BOOK Australia also yielded the front cover with a rail trail and have completed a • Descriptions and maps: Keep abreast with rail trail • 17 trails, Contributions are welcome, and should image. It was part of the 50th project why not let everyone know be addressed to: Port Fairy to developments around Australia 12 for cyclists anniversary commemoration since the about what you have achieved; it Warrnambool with our quarterly magazine. • topographic last train ran and along with scenery may also assist others and is a great and Goulburn River maps The Editor You can save trees Rail Trails Australia and good food we also enjoyed seeing way to recognise the contribution Rail Trails (Vic) • A5 size • Barossa Rail Trail and receive • 64 pages P.O. Box 2127 the number of walkers, horse riders and that your partners and others have the Oak Park VIC 3046 cyclists using the rail trail, despite it made. description (SA) • Two pages of other magazine being in the depths of winter (the cover by email! [email protected] trail updates shot was not staged!). We all enjoy reading about trails we are yet to travel (and those we have), if Rail Trails Australia Inc. Available printed or However there is still a lot of work to you have had a memorable or unique via email as a PDF. ABN 94 479 743 813 do, even in Victoria let alone NSW, and experience on a rail trail why not VIC A0038226C there is never a shortage of important share it? $ tasks we would like to carry out. Rail Trails of Tasmania copies at $12.50 plus $2.50 P&H ($15) PO Box 2127 Oak Park Vic 3046 Like almost all of our work, the Guide book supplement 2013 copies at $5 printed, or $3 PDF via email $ One of the important tasks is to better magazine is put together by volunteers. P: 03 9306 4846 document and communicate the The editors are very happy to work with Join Railtrails Australia and receive our magazine individual membership, emailed magazine ...... $32 W:www.railtrails.org.au or ½ individual membership, printed magazine ...... $35 E: [email protected] tangible economic benefits that rail a range of material - no journalistic trails can bring to regions, particularly experience required! It is a lot easier for Renew my membership ¾ organisation membership ...... $40 $ Contacts businesses expanding due to rail trails. the team to shape other people’s items ¿ website advertiser membership ...... $99 to fit the requirements than to produce NSW Representative An accessible document that clearly and stories second or third hand, as well as Donation to rail trail development and promotion $ John O’Brien vividly demonstrates these benefits, providing a more authentic voice that Total $ [email protected] using examples and analysis, would be reflects the experiences of our invaluable in all states, even in Victoria Queensland Representative membership. Mark Linnett with its reasonably well established [email protected] network but still needing better Damian McCrohan Name: facilities. If anyone is interested in South Australia Representative helping to better present our data and Address: Shona Cameron information, please contact me. [email protected] State: Postcode: Phone*: AH BH Mob Email: Tasmania Representative Frank Kinnersley (acting - applicants I enclose a cheque made out to Railtrails Australia Inc., or * Please provide at least one contact number. welcome) Please debit my: Visa Master Card All prices include GST. ABN 94 479 743 813. Inquire for overseas postage rates. [email protected] / Card Number: Expiry: Victoria - Gippsland Representative Stephen Lodge Annual General Meeting Security Code: (3 digits on back of card) [email protected] / / The Annual General meeting of Rail If you would like to join the committee Card Holder: Signature: Date: Victoria - North Representative Trails Australia (Inc) will be held on and help guide our work please contact Damian McCrohan Please be assured Railtrails Australia will not disclose your personal information. We will not give your email address to anyone else or send you advertising. [email protected] Friday, November 6th from 6.30 pm at the Secretary, Frank Kinnersley, by 24 the North Carlton Community Centre, October and we will send you a Send to Railtrails Australia Inc. PO Box 2127 Oak Park Vic 3046 Phone (03) 9306 4846

Victoria - West Representative in the former North Carlton Railway nomination form and explain the N Pam Moore Station building in Solly Avenue, North process. Please note that nominees [email protected] Carlton. must be financial members of the Association (at both the time of West Australia Representative With the recent changes of legislation, Frank Kinnersley (acting - applicants nomination and at time of the AGM). welcome) RTA is classified as a tier one [email protected] organisation and the committee has Due to the slightly early printing of this chosen not to have an independent issue we have not finalised the guest First Field Environmental are based in NSW and are your review of our accounts for the past speaker yet. A notice will be put on the specialists in Rail Trail environmental legislation and financial year. In conjunction with the website and an email sent out to the planning, from ecological surveys and reviews of AGM, elections will take place for all newsletter recipients with the details. environmental factors to construction environmental Cover: Wattle flowers signal spring positions on the Rail Trails Australia management plans, heritage, bushfire, weed and pest is not far away on the Lilydale to Please RSVP to the Secretary, Frank committee. management plans. Warburton Rail Trail. Kinnersley, for catering purposes. New members to the committee are E: [email protected] We will develop an overarching Trail Management Plan or Photo: Alexander McCooke always welcome. P: 03 9306 4846 provide you with the reporting components you need, as you need them.

www.firstfield.net.au [email protected] 2 Rail Trail Connections • Spring 2015 RTA News Spring 2015w_RailtrailsConnections 10/08/2015 21:10 Page 3

Protecting our impressive but fragile timber bridges Queensland Short lines Historic Long Gully Bridge The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is Funding for Kingaroy Rail Trail Burnett River Rail Trail lost to fire in Western getting longer ... confirmed proposal (QLD) Australia The Queensland Government is The current Queensland Government A new 37km rail trail is being planned currently building the section from has confirmed that it will honour the in the Burnett region of Queensland by The Lower Hotham fire in February Brassall (northern edge of Ipswich) to funding commitment of $2 million for a the Gayndah Heritage Railway Rail Trail this year claimed an historic victim by the Brisbane Valley Highway at Wanora, rail trail between Kingaroy and Kilkivan Group. burning an important crossing on the linking to the current terminus of the made by the previous government last Bibbulmun Track - the historic Long BVRT. This 10.7km section is planned to year. This is on the former Theebine to This will be a very scenic rail trail, Gully Bridge over the Murray River. open later this year and bring the total Kingaroy railway line that was pulled up following the Burnett River, and passing citrus, farming grounds and granite Considered an outstanding example length to 124km. in 2012. rock formations. It is proposed to run of an early rail trestle bridge, the 128 The Ipswich City Council is also The Gympie Times reported in June that from Gayndah to Mundubbera along metre long bridge, built in 1949, was applying for State Government funding the apportionment of the funding the old Monto rail corridor, for a great example of the technical to build the ‘Missing Link’ from Brassall provides $600,000 for the 45km bushwalking, mountain biking, horse design skill of the Western Australian to Wulkuraka. Once funded and built it Kilkivan to Murgon section and $1.4 riding, bird watching, and kayaking on Government Railways. will be possible to take an interurban million for the 43km Murgon to the Burnett River. Loop trails are The rail network was integral for the train to Wulkuraka Station and ride the Kingaroy section, with the emphasis on planned to include local tourism timber industry from the Serpentine- Brisbane Valley Rail Trail from Wulkuraka the section from Kilkivan to Goomeri. attractions, such as bullock teams, Jarrahdale area to Dwellingup region. to Toogoolawah and Moore to Yarraman There is no mention of the Theebine to sunset and landscape viewing points, When the Dwellingup Mill burned (the section from Toogoolawah to Kilkivan section of the corridor, perhaps and wilderness experiences exploring down in 1961, the track ceased Moore is currently not open for use, but because of the damage to bridges in geology and highlighting flora and operation. The bridge met sections of can be ridden safely via back roads). this section. fauna. Another attraction of this rail trail land that rise steeply above Murray will be the many unique bridges that Rail Trails Australia thanks the Queensland The Gympie Times also reports that a River valleys and it provided the only will be crossed, all of which are Government for the funding and Memorandum of Understanding will be viable crossing point for walkers on different in style ranging from timber construction of this section of what will entered into between Gympie Regional the Bibbulmun Track. trestle, steel, concrete and viaducts. be a fantastic rail trail when completed. Council and South Burnett Regional The Bibbulmun Track Foundation was Council. Negotiations also need to be A lease and funding is being sought to The already completed parts of the raising funds for its restoration. A held with adjoining landowners. is construct a pilot six km rail trail from BVRT continues to draw users. On 12 decision is now needed to decide if Mount Debateable to Humphrey. July the Fernvale to Lowood section of The section from Kilkivan to Goomeri, these funds should go towards the BVRT again hosted the annual which is in the Gympie Regional If you would like to join and support restoring the other major timber Somerset Rail Trail Fun Run. The very Council, is 27.6km long and is aimed at this group please contact Mike Goebel bridge - River Road - or towards a cool and windy morning found over maximising the benefit to both (President) at solution to replace Long Gully Bridge. 500 eager and excited fun runners townships. The $600,000 will be given [email protected] It won't be easy due to the long span gathered at Fernvale. This year had to the South Burnett Council who, in and another timber bridge is out of some entertainment before the run, accordance with the MOU, will pass it the question. Once the dust and ash including the Somerset Regional on to the Gympie Council. settles we will investigate how we can For more details about this rail trail visit Council Mayor, Cr Graeme Lehmann, create a new crossing for walkers. www.railtrails.org.au or delighting the crowd with the Nutbush Ongoing maintenance will be required, https://www.facebook.com/gayndahrail dance. Results were in in less than an which could be in the order of $50,000 Parks and Wildlife Fire crews did all way hour: the first male completed the a year. they could to help save the bridge. www.burnettriverrailtrail.com 8.3km run in 28 minutes, while the first The bridge was doused with water In July, South Burnett Council staff female crossed the line in 30 minutes. and before the fire hit it was also visited several rail trails in Victoria to get sprayed with a fire retarder. We thank For maps and details about the Brisbane an appreciation of their construction them for their efforts. Valley Rail Trail Visit and management practices. This is encouraging as it will be a challenge to Bibbulmun Track Foundation http://www.railtrails.org.au/trail- descriptions/queensland?view=trail&id= construct this length of rail trail with 39 the funding provided.

Top to bottom: The flank fire, well back from the head fire, reaches the bridge. Peter Morris, Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife Parks and Wildlife Fire crews did all they could to help save the Long Gully bridge. The bridge was doused with water and before the fire hit it was also sprayed with a fire retarder. Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife All that remains of the Long Gully bridge. Peter Right: Typical scenery along the proposed Burnett Morris, Western Australian Department of Parks and River Rail Trail. Photo: Dave Marshall Wildlife The Long Gully bridge in its heyday. Western Left: A low level crossing with easy gradients is being Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife; used in lieu of a bridge. Photo: Mark Linnett

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Queensland Short lines Buderim Tramway (Rail Trail) ribbon. The Buderimaires entertained Good news for the Links Left: The Sexton River bridge on the Kingaroy line in Queensland in 2010. Melanie Doherty Centenary 20 June 2015 with original songs about the Tramway Mobility Corridor in Hervey written by Noel Williams, which the Below: After being destroyed by floods in late 2012. The Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage crowd applauded. Bay Tramway Inc. (BPHTI) celebrated the Fraser Coast Regional Council has Centenary of the opening of After all these activities, it was time to allocated $800,000 in the 2015/2016 Palmwoods to Buderim Tramway, which board the free bus to visit the restored Budget for the next stage of this trail. opened on 18 June 1915. Krauss steam loco No 6854. After a The latest 550m extension will connect longer than expected viewing it was the current trail head at Elizabeth St BPHTI organized a perfect day for the back on the bus to return for a guided Urangan to Dayman Street Urangan, Centenary celebrations at the site of the walk along the Heritage tramway within sight of the impressive pier. old Buderim Station. In front of several walking track, led by the members of hundred spectators, local Councillor Ted BPHTI. Unfortunately the fading light of A further amount has been identified Hungerford had the honour of the day did not enable us to complete for the extension from Dayman Street unveiling a commemorative plaque. the trail, but many folk said they would to the pier in future years, but as yet The guests then walked up the road to certainly be returning on another day there is no time frame given for this St Mark’s Church hall to the sound of to complete the walk. For some locals project. the church bell, which was originally on this was their first walk along this the Shay loco which ran on the line, hidden treasure. For more information about this rail trail and now housed in the belfry. visit http://www.railtrails.org.au/trail- Celebrations continued at the local hall, descriptions/queensland?view=trail&id=69 where there was an impressive display of old photographs, with members of President of the Friends of the Bendigo- BPHTI to answer any questions. Lunch Kilmore Rail Trail, Garry Long, recently was served by BPHTI and what a cycled part of the proposed Mary to the fantastic job they did feeding the large Bay Rail Trail (the developed section is crowd. officially known as Links Mobility Corridor) and has written about his After lunch followed the official adventure (see next page). speeches. Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway President Helene Cronin The funding for this link will provide welcomed all to the centenary event. future visitors with a connection Helene outlined how a small group between the rail trail and the pier - one formed in 2003 to preserve this of the missing pieces in Garry's search important piece of Buderim’s history for the elusive Mary to the Bay Rail Trail. and to turn part of the old formation into a walking trail. Mark Linnett Queensland Representative The Telco Road end has wheelchair Rail Trails Australia [email protected] access leading to a well maintained For more information about this Rail 2km walking track (4km return), Trail Visit including seats at four rest points. http://www.railtrails.org.au/trail- descriptions/queensland/south-east- Left: The restored Krauss steam loco. In 2004 BPHTI tracked down one of the Photo: Mark Linnett original steam locomotives then raised queensland?view=trail&id=228 funds to transport the loco back to Buderim and cosmetically restore this loco. State MP Steve Dickson spoke about the importance of getting the loco permanently displayed in glass housing at the location of the old railway station. BPHTI are keen to get this loco displayed - for more information visit http://www.buderim.qld.au/tram/

Guests were then entertained with a splendid performance by Buderim Youth Theatre of Excellence (BYTE) of a re-enactment of the official opening of the Tramway in 1915, which included the driving in of the last spike and the arrival of a cut-out model of the Krauss loco, complete with smoke, to cut the Damian Callanan is a freelance cartoonist and illustrator. He enjoys humour with a loose Councillor Ted Hungerford unveils the commemorative plaque. Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway line to cartoons, logos and special event cards. Contact Damian on 0413 761 999.

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Protecting our impressive but fragile timber bridges A rail trail by another name! Bridges played a significant role in the As a cyclist, local designated off-road designated, with treatments making the be spotted. Further along construction construction of the rail networks. And trails, rail trails and publicised road riding approaches safe. Where this ‘trail’ or workers were putting the final touches long time readers of Rail Trail Connections routes draw my interest to an area. The ‘link’ took me, I was about to find out! to a new concrete pathway. Was this will be familiar with regular articles on the Rail Trail Australia’s website highlighted project related to upgrading and continued importance of bridges on rail the ‘Mary to the Bay Rail Trail’ as one of The trail was well used; with school extending the formal rail trail? A trails. the Queensland rail trails, so I was eager students walking and riding, ladies machine operator was unable to to see and experience this trail in the walking their dogs, even an older identify whether this was the rail trail or The primary role of bridges is to allow Hervey Bay area. couple out on their mobility scooters. ‘Link Mobility Corridor’. I continued on the trail to stay at an easy gradient over Then the trail ride came to an abrupt to explore an open flat undeveloped rivers and gullies, allowing use by the Little did I know that the Fraser Coast end at a supermarket complex, with no area. Maybe this was where the former whole community in all weather. Some Regional Council designated the directional signage. Where to next? Was railway line once was, as I sighted a bridges are also major historic and developed part of this trail as “Links I right to assume that cycling along rough track curving away towards the engineering features of the rail trail in Mobility Corridor”! After riding along footpaths was legally allowed as I south. themselves and really add to the the meandering ‘Esplanade Trail’, searched for a connection point? experience. through parkland and around caravan I rode on what became more obviously parks, there was the imposing Urangan a former railroad bed. While no links However on the flip side, bridges are Pier jutting out into the bay. with the former railway’s infrastructure the most expensive assets to construct or history were evident, you could or restore. Many older bridges, As an important loading facility from a imagine the train travelling along the particularly timber bridges, can also be past era, the Pialba to Urangan rail link gradual curves, where a trail was now future maintenance risks, requiring was connected to this pier in 1913. The Hospital Creek bridge on the East Gippsland Rail Trail burns in a bad bushfire in 2011. Photo: Andrew Sharpe formed from a strip of mowed grass. As regular inspections and works. And the Whilst a little shorter than the original the area became more rural, trees and slight irony is that most users, as they structure and no longer used for its scrub intruded on what became a Bridges on the proposed Burnett River In the next issue we plan to look at cruise across a bridge without having a original purpose, the pier remains an narrower mowed pathway. steep or long diversion around the river Rail Trail have also been affected by newer replacement bridges that may icon, attracting fisherman and visitors or gully, give nary a thought to all the recent floods. not have the same heritage value but alike. Interpretive signage includes old This all came to an abrupt end, with a time and cost that went into restoring are cheaper to construct and maintain. photos to tell its story. Riding along the drop away to concrete abutment of a With summer approaching this is a or building the that bridge. pier, with the many fishermen eagerly missing former bridge or grid! The reminder to rail trail committees of awaiting their next catch being former railway alignment could be seen management to make as much The rail trail is a high standard one well used by local In addition bridges are particularly watched by a pelican or two, one could ahead, but with no grass mowed track preparation as possible around timber residents. Photo: Garry Long susceptible to natural disasters in this imagine the past activity of steam any passage by bike would be much bridges. land of bushfires and floods. trains, cranes and ships loading Stumbling across a piece of former more difficult. Nearby I spotted what Bundaberg sugar, Burrum coal and railway infrastructure gave me another appeared to be a former railway goods Many of our historic bridges are timber And for rail trail users, when you come Fraser Island timber for export. hint as the adventure unfolded. Nearby shed, so it was time to investigate and and so fire is a real threat. A recent to a bridge please occasionally make was an impressive new outdoor take some photos. Then a flat tyre reminder of this is the sad loss of time to stop, and if possible, even go Now it was time to start my ride on the sculpture of a huge whale ‘breaching’ changed my plans. Western Australia’s Long Gully bridge in down to the bottom and admire these rail trail. Yet confusion arose as I viewed located at the new Art Gallery. Later February. Earlier examples include the wonderful structures and the work that a street map near the pier. What was research identified that this open public The adventure on the Mary to the Bay loss of the significant Hospital Creek went into them. this ‘Links Mobility Corridor? Where was space was the location of the former Rail Trail was over. During my ride bridge on the East Gippsland Rail Trail the rail trail that had been my focus? Pialba railway station, and the former along the urban section the trail I in Victoria in 2011 and in 2009 the very Riding from the pier, I sighted a railway crossing grid that I saw was on observed that it was being utilised by a long timber bridge across the Yarra concrete railway buffer block; so the the spur line to the Urangan Pier. With range of different local community River at Yarra Glen near Melbourne trail must be here somewhere? With no what appeared to be a trail ahead, off I users, yet could the same be said for burnt to the ground, along with several directional signs at the large parcel of cycled past more outdoor public art visiting tourists? Will any future trail smaller ones nearby. They were on the land with its ‘For Sale’ signs, which with murals depicting the former extension into the rural areas beyond corridor of the proposed extension of must have been the railway marshalling railway plus stylised chrome metal Urraween towards Nikenbah and the the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail back yards, I was soon lost in suburban sculptures. Mary River be a Council priority? Time to Yarra Glen. They were only streets and found myself exploring will be the judge of that! surrounded by grass, which proved sections of the well-presented Botanical Passing through the education and enough to set them alight and in the Gardens. Then appeared an off-road commercial areas, the trail easement Garry Long conditions of the tragic Black Saturday trail, marked as the ‘Links Mobility widened into open park spaces as the President of the Friends of the Bendigo - the bridges were obviously not a high Corridor’; perhaps it was the start of the trail curved past residential properties. Kilmore Rail Trail (on holidays) priority of the fire authorities. ‘Mary to the Bay Rail Trail’ too? An uncontrolled road crossing was noted on Urraween Rd, with wide While there has been some flood First impressions were “wow!”. This was concrete paths on both sides of this damage in other states Queensland has *Editor's note - see Shortlines for an a very well developed formal pathway, divided roadway, making it unclear as borne the brunt of the floods with announcement about funding for this rail with wide asphalt surface, shelters and to which side of the road was the rail numerous significant bridges washed trail* seats, trees, mowed lawn grass, and trail. After crossing the road it became a away in recent years. This is particularly even open space ‘street’ lighting little clearer as adjacent to the pathway so on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and installed. The trail passed adjoining was a small cutting with two discarded the proposed Theebine to Kingaroy Rail urban housing and shopping centre on railway relics. The upgrading of Trail which is now being planned. one side; the Botanical Gardens, a Urraween Rd has significantly changed The impressive Curdies River timber bridge survived this flooding in 2010 literally months after years of hard waterway and caravan park on the the landscape, yet small sections of restoration work. It is located on the Camperdown Timboon Rail Trail. Photo: Thais Hardmann other. Street crossings were well embankments and cuttings could still

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The Clare Valley’s Riesling Rail Trail Gippsland Rail Trails Summit Most people have heard about the many Through hard work and support by all wonderful rail trails in Victoria, but few levels of government, Victoria has an people realise that some other states also extensive network of rail trails in all have some excellent rail trails. On a regions, particularly in Gippsland. recent trip to South Australia in May, RTA Committee member John O’Brien and his Recognising that there are many wife visited the Clare Valley and the benefits to collaboration to share ideas Riesling and Rattler Trails. and problems, a summit of all nine Gippsland rail trail committees of We had our bikes with us, and as the management was held on 17 May in weather was favourable, had the Sale. Representatives from the opportunity to ride the two consecutive Department of Environment, Land, trails in both directions. Recent rain Water and Planning also attended. The showers had transformed the normally Department is responsible for the dry and brown countryside into a committees of management that are carpet of green, and with the addition appointed to manage most Victorian of the beautiful colours of the autumn rail trails. The committees are various leaves, it was a photographer’s delight. variations of volunteers and local or state government employees. Starting at the site of the old Clare Participants at the summit meeting Railway Station, we cycled south Chair, Helen Hoppner from the towards Auburn. The Riesling Trail has Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, welcomed all Then followed discussion on common For the record the eleven Rail Trails Of recently been enhanced with more the attendees. Helen expressed her subjects of interest including trail Gippsland are: interpretive signs, and some artworks at New bridge near Auburn. Photo: John O’Brien desire that at the end of the day, maintenance (and its funding), renewal • Bass Coast Rail Trail various sites. The sculpture of the man members of the different committees of (volunteer) committees and Hot coffee and tasty homemade cakes The surface of the Rattler Trail has and his sheep at Clare is excellent. This would have shared knowledge, combining marketing efforts. • East Gippsland Rail Trail made the return trip even more recently been upgraded, and is so gives you a chance to have a short networked, established connections and enjoyable. smooth that you would swear you were Several presentations capped off a very • Gippsland Lakes Discovery Trail break, while reading some interesting that a number of actions and outcomes on a sealed road at times. Arriving at would be determined to enable rail trail rewarding day. • Gippsland Plains Rail Trail history of the Clare Valley. It’s all uphill The next day we drove down to Auburn Riverton gives you the opportunity to committees across the region to work to Penwortham, about 10km, but the to tackle the Rattler Trail to Riverton Rail Trails Australia congratulates the • Grand Ridge Rail Trail get a coffee and snacks at the bakery, together for shared mutual benefit and steepest gradient is only 1.5% making it and return. The Rattler trail is 19km Gippsland rail trail committees on this • Great Southern Rail Trail coffee shops, or the pubs. We were increased efficiencies. an easy and pleasant ride. long and mostly flat. The countryside initiative as they move from the lucky that our visit coincided with a • Moe-Yallourn Rail Trail on this trail is different to the Riesling construction phase to the longer term The next section of the trail is all vintage car rally, and we got to see Frank Kinnersley from Rail Trails Trail, being more open, with mostly maintenance and improvement of • Noojee Trestle Bridge Rail Trail downhill, passing through the two some wonderfully restored motor Australia spoke first and outlined the dryland farming, and of course plenty facilities and marketing to further station sites of Watervale and vehicles. role of our organisation in terms of • Rokeby to Crossover Rail Trail of grapevines. This trail has three brand improve their use. Leasingham. The trail bypasses two assistance and support that can be new bridges which bypass some deep • Tyers Junction Rail Trail areas where bridges once existed. This provided to rail trail committees of and rough creek crossings. • Walhalla Goldfields Rail Trail is no problem, although you have to be management, along with how careful of any traffic at these points. Gippsland compares with other regions Once you arrive in Auburn you are around Australia. naturally looking for a good coffee shop, and Auburn has plenty of choice. It was a pleasant surprise to see so many shops and restaurants open.

The Riesling Trail actually passes through some undulating country, which you don’t notice on the rail trail until you look at some of the deep cuttings and high embankments. There is plenty of signage warning you to stay away from the edges. At some places you are riding through a tunnel of Aleppo pines, giving shelter from the wind and sun.

Leaving Auburn we had a 15km gentle uphill climb back to Penwortham, before the downhill run back into Clare. A coffee shop in the paddock, called the Legless Dog, has sprung up halfway between Watervale and Penwortham. Artwork in the Cogwebs Cafe. Photo: John O’Brien

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The UK’s Monsal Trail In spring 2014 Rail Trails Australia members Vince Aitkin and Margaret Holt The wine and rail trail combination is cycled the Monsal Trail in England and working in other parts of SA - Coast share their adventure with RTA members. to Vines Rail Trail, Shiraz Trail, McLaren Vale The Monsal rail trail travels for 8.5 miles from near the town of Bakewell to Wye Shona runs Gourmet Cyclists, an Dale and is located in the Peak District Australian travel company for foodie of Derbyshire just a few hours drive and cyclists and gives a flavour of a recent 156 miles north-west of London. It is rail trail ride. owned and maintained by The Peak Our 70km cycling journey began in District National Parks Authority. The the urban sprawl of Adelaide, at trail is open year long and its surface is Marino Rocks Station, the start of the constructed of finely compacted but Coast to Vines Rail Trail, also known well drained local limestone. It is traffic as the Shiraz trail. The trail starts to free and available for use by cyclists, open out to farmland and grapes walkers, horse riders, and those using after Seaford. The trail passes wild wheelchairs or mobility scooters. On olives, almonds with rolling hills rain free days there are many users to towards the East. There are some be seen along its route. During 2014-15 great coastal vantage points too. it will be extended to connect with other trails in the peak district. McLaren Vale is a vibrant sustainable Watervale - Businesses tap into the rail trail. Photo: John O’Brien winemaking region with an amazing Railways first came to this area in 1863 food and artistic, trendy vibe. There’s when the busy Midland Railway passed The railway station at Riverton is a huge gentle gradients. The new interpretive lots to explore. Bikes can be hired through the district. It was closed in One of the wonderful peak district viaducts double story building, and in original signs give you an opportunity to gain from Onya Bike Hire, which is situated 1968. Soon after closing, work condition, although no longer in use. an insight into the history of the area, in the Main Street of McLaren Vale, commenced on trail development and We started our cycle trip at the former The Monsal Trail is in the centre of the The platform, all the tracks, the signal particularly the role that railways played out of an old tram. station site at Bakewell (1 mile from Peak District National Park which also this section of the route was partially box, the goods shed and water tower in the development of this part of the the town centre) where we hired features similar trails. The High Peaks opened in 1981. Following costly are all still intact. Unfortunately it has country. There is plenty of Rolling along onto Willunga, the trail bicycles from the cycle shop and Trail is 17 miles long, The Thornhill Trail repairs to several long tunnels the trail been sold off, and is now in private accommodation at Clare, Auburn and follows more grapes, with plenty of restaurant located in the station 2 miles and the Tissington Trail 13 was finally completed and opened in hands and is off limits to sightseers. The Riverton, from luxury B&Bs to basic wineries to stop off for thirsty wine building. Parking at numerous miles. All are well worth a visit. 2011. The trail passes through six well new owner has installed three railway country hotel rooms. This area lovers. Willunga is also a foodie waypoints along the way is controlled lit tunnels and some of the most carriages and an old diesel engine at abounds with wineries and great heaven. Saturday morning is the by pay and display coin operated Accommodation is plentiful but during spectacular limestone dales in the the station to make it even more restaurants that boast local wines and Farmer’s Market, plus a heap of cafes machines so be prepared with plenty of summer the district is at its best so pre country. Along its scenic route you can, appealing. We were told that produce. So why not come and spend and second hand shops for the thrifty change. There are several convenience book your stay to avoid amongst other exciting vistas, explore accommodation was once available in a few days in a beautiful part of the fashionistas. stops along the way. Water and warm disappointment. The Bakewell the Monsal Viaduct, bridgeworks, the railway carriages, but that is no world. Cressbrook Mill, Litton Mill, lime kilns weatherproof clothing is needed in all Information Centre can be reached via On the way back, we stopped for a [email protected] longer the case. and former railway stations. seasons. The gradient rises from John O’Brien tasting of olive oil and a selection of Bakewell to Wyedale are gentle. There is fine wines. This part of Derbyshire is well worth a The Riesling and Rattler Trails both have an abundance of interpretative signage visit and Bakewell is a convenient centre an excellent hard packed surface, and with several hand operated audio There was plenty of opportunities to in which to base yourself for fun packed stations which keep you informed of buy wine so naturally we finished our days cycling, walking and exploring. the historic elements of the countryside cycling tour with a glass of Shiraz. through which you are passing. We Vince Aitkin www.gourmetcyclists.com took six hours to explore this (former RTA treasurer) fascinating history-rich trail. Karen Wilson Various parts of the trail can be reached by Public Transport and details can be found on the comprehensive web site provided by the Peak District National Parks Authority www.peakdistrict.gov.uk. This web site also provides information about other nearby trails and contains six episodes of downloadable audio files about the Monsal Trail.

Typical scenery on the rail trail in McLaren vale. Photo The hand operated audio station - Karen Wilson

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Transforming the past and re-imagining the future in northern NSW The air is cool and the wind rustles softly and gained a significant amount of Information collated by the Group through the overgrown grass that brushes support for the project. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Group shows that employment within the the old rusty tracks of the abandoned submitted an application for some of region comes predominantly from Northern Railway Line. Wildflowers “Our community wants solutions and the $50m funding on offer. However, government and that the rail trail offers determinedly push their way through the we want clean, green and profitable the NSW Minister for Regional an opportunity for enterprise, with rotting wooden slats, competing for a slice options that offer longevity for the Development, John Barilaro, opportunities for job creation outside of of sunshine and all around you can be felt people who call these towns home”, announced in late June that only government services that could equal an echo of the past. The remnants of says Marie. $5m of the funding for rail trails had 1200 jobs. times gone by can be felt intensely in been allocated; to the 21km The trail would take in one of NSW what is left behind, but can what is left Tumbarumba to Rosewood rail trail in Local councils managing the region most popular tourist destinations, Byron behind become part of a new future, part southern NSW. which the railway meanders through Bay. It sits at the centre point of the rail of a new chapter in a place’s history? support the project. The Tweed City trail and would be a tourist feeder town The proponents of the Tumbarumba Council is perhaps its biggest supporter Supporters of the Northern Rivers Rail for inland areas of the region that, Rail Trail now have to prepare yet and is ready to roll out the first stage. Trail feel that is exactly what can according to the Group, have thus far another detailed proposal to actually The Byron Shire, Richmond Valley and happen. They propose that the almost not benefited from the massive tourism secure the funding. The NSW Lismore City Councils are also onboard. 100 year old rail track, which ran from dollars that pour into Byron Bay. government has still not provided Support for the creation of rail trails is Casino to Murwillumbah, be any details on how they will allow rail also coming from some state “This project would spread some of the redeveloped into a walking, cycling and trails to be built, as the government government departments and agencies, tourists outwards, introducing them to tourist trail that can showcase the have clearly stated that existing such as Tourism NSW and NSW Health. beautiful towns that without this region and bring much needed dollars legislation prevents their development will surely continue their to the inland towns of the Northern construction. Early this year, John Barilaro, Minister decline” says Marie. Rivers. for Tourism NSW, announced that up to Rail trails are common across $50 million dollars will be earmarked Marie Lawton is a passionate advocate Australia, New Zealand and the rest for the development of rail trails across and founding member of the Northern of the world however New South NSW. The Group is looking for a large Rivers Rail Trail Group and with the help Wales has experienced barriers to slice of that funding. Timber bridge across the Belongil Creek Mangroves. Photo: Gary Pressnell of many others, she has campaigned these projects being created on unused government railways due to Tentative estimates are that at least $40 Since then it has sat, unused and As she talks fondly about her memories specific legislation. Connections has million will be needed for the Northern forgotten, and surrounding resources, of long ago train trips down to Sydney reported on the efforts to address this Rivers project. However according to be they station houses, maintenance to visit family, I can almost hear the anomaly in previous issues. Hillary Wise, Media Officer for the sheds, bridges and the tracks chatter of excitable children eager to Group, the cost benefit ratio for the themselves have fallen into a state of embark on an adventure and I can If you would like to know more about project is positive, with the project disrepair, choked with weeds, covered understand why some people are this issue or are interested in finding primed to return $2.50 for every $1 in graffiti and providing no community grieving for the loss of the experiences out more about the rail trails listed invested. and their unique features please visit benefit. they wanted to pass onto children. Rail Trails Australia “The return on this project is significant “We want to see this valuable But just as those trains moved forward www.railtrails.org.au and feasibility study figures show the community asset returned to our from their stations leaving family and trail would repay its cost within five community. We want to see people friends waving goodbye, communities years” says Marie. moving around and enjoying the move forward too and the ability to The Northern Rivers area is perfectly corridor created by the tracks” says transform pieces of their past into a re- placed to be able to create a thriving Marie. imagined future is a powerful and very economically beneficial rail opportunity. But not all local residents are in support trail, but it is not only the economic of the rail trail project and another local Kirsty Schmitt benefits to the community that Marie group has been campaigning for years feels so strongly about. to bring the trains back to the railway “The rail trail provides an opportunity line. Trains on our Tracks oppose the project on the grounds that public for community wellness with locals To learn more about the proposed transport infrastructure should be used using the trails as pedestrian corridors Northern Rivers Rail Trail, please visit for public transport. and cycling paths, and encouraging www.northernriversrailtrail.org.au physical activity and connection with Lismore resident Tarryn Corlet agrees: the environment and community”. “If the rail trail goes ahead those railway The 130 kilometre long track was a lines need to be ripped up and thriving passenger and goods line that removed, meaning there will be no supported industry and community option for the return of a passenger along its length for over 90 years but service for local residents and that is was discontinued in April 2004. tinged with sadness for many of us”.

Typical scenery on this picturesque corridor. Photo: Stephen Kaye

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Typical scenery on this picturesque corridor. Photo: Stephen Kaye

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Typical scenery on the rail trail in McLaren vale. Photo The hand operated audio station - Karen Wilson

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Spring 2015 $6.50 inc. GST Volume 22 Issue 1 Print Post Publication No. 341059 / 00003

Gippsland Rail Trail Summit meeting

The Clare Valley’s Reisling Rail Trail

Protecting our fragile timber bridges

Re-imagining the future in Northern NSW