Greg Aplin, Member for Albury, today welcomed news that the site proposed for NSW’s first Rail Trail from Tumbarumba to Rosewood has been gazetted, transferring ownership of the disused rail land from Transport NSW to Crown Lands.

Mr Aplin said the change in ownership marks a significant milestone for the NSW pilot project to transform the old rail corridor into a scenic walking and cycling trail.

“It is an exciting day for the Snowy Valleys region, with construction now just around the corner,” Mr Aplin said.

“This was the last hurdle before we could start work to deliver a vibrant, revitalised corridor with great tourism and recreation benefits.

“The Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will give locals a new space to enjoy and encourage new visitors to the area.”

Local Council Trustees will now be appointed to collaborate with the NSW Government on the project.

“Liveability is a major priority for the NSW Government and this project is just one of the great lifestyle options we’re rolling out for people living in our regional towns and those travelling through them.

“We look forward to working closely with community representatives to preserve the heritage of the area and to create a great asset that will meet local and tourist needs.”

Funding of $4.9 million has been allocated to the Tumbarumba and Rosewood Rail Trail from the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund. The Transport Administration Act 1988 was amended in mid-2017 to allow this project to proceed.

Transplan Pty Lytd, and Mike Halliburton Associates, prepared the original Trail Feasibility Study for the Riuverina Highlands Rail Trails (back in 2006) and more recently (2014) prepared the detailed Trail Development Plan for the Tumbarumba Rosewood Rail Trail.