Stakeholder consultation Armidale to Wallangarra Rail Corridor

Purpose of the day Today we will: Gauge community sentiment for rail corridor closure / rail trail in this location Explain the role/responsibility of government in rail corridor closure / rail trail projects Respond to questions from the community and stakeholders Today we are not: Discussing the merits of any particular rail trail project Making decisions on closing a section of the rail corridor for a rail trail project

Agenda Item no. Description Responsible 1. Acknowledgement of Country Samantha Muller 2. Introduction 3. Process for today’s consultation 4. Presentation – Rail trails and NSW Government Chris Hanger – NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet 5. Questions All 6. Community perspectives 7. Next steps 8. Close

Chris Hanger Executive Director of Regional Infrastructure and Networks Department of Premier and Cabinet

Overview – rail trail program Background Rail trails can create new economic opportunities from disused rail corridors and support the Government’s target to doubling tourism visitation to regional NSW by 2021. Disused rail lines lend themselves to redevelopment into walking and bike-riding trails, which can deliver recreation opportunities both for local communities and visitors to the area. The NSW Government supports, in principle, the potential use of disused rail lines as rail trails – where local communities are supportive. In 2015, the NSW Government allocated $4.9 million to the Rosewood to Tumbarumba rail trail project under the Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund. Multiple rail trail applications from across NSW have been received as part of the first round of the $300 million Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.  

Overview – rail trail program Background The NSW Government has so far committed more than $11 million for rail trail development in regional NSW. Funding is subject to a review process involving: Confirmation of co-funding. Demonstrating financial viability for the life-cycle of the asset. Community consultation.

The process – rail trail program Background To enable a rail trail project to begin, legislative amendments are required to the Transport Administration Act 1988. This ensures the NSW Government retains ownership of the rail corridor, so it may be returned to transport use if ever required in the future. On 27 June, the Transport Administration Amendment (Closure of Railway Line between Rosewood and Tumbarumba) Bill 2017 was passed to enable development of the Rosewood to Tumbarumba rail trail. Before the Government will consider closing a disused rail line, community consultation with local businesses, residents and other identified stakeholders will be carried out.  

The “typical” development process for rail trail projects   Rail trail project proposal developed Rail trail project proponent consults with community about the project to achieve community support. Follow up actions to address issues and concerns. Project details submitted to NSW Government for consideration, including potential funding Community consultation on support for rail line closure to enable rail trail project to proceed Work may commence on the rail trail project Amendment is passed by Government If report is accepted, an amendment to the Transport Authority Act 1988 will be drafted A report is provided to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism

The process – rail trail program Background The Department of Premier and Cabinet is leading this particular community consultation on closure of the rail corridor. We will also be accepting feedback provided by email after this session, to give stakeholders further opportunity to provide input. Note: this consultation is one of multiple consultations that project proponents must undertake with local stakeholders on development of the rail trail project, including biosecurity and other risk mitigation strategies.  

Purpose of today’s workshop To provide information Provide an overview of the rail trail program, including necessary steps for projects to proceed. Inform community that the New England Rail Trail project can only proceed if legislative amendment is made to the rail corridor. Answer any questions about the proposal or the process. To gain a sense of community sentiment Understand the levels of community support for and/or opposition for the closure of the rail corridor for the rail trail project. Ultimately, collate and present community perspectives in a report to the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport and Minister for Tourism.

About the proposed rail trail New England Rail Trail project Re-development of 34km of disused rail corridor from Black Mountain Railway Station to Ben Lomond Railway Station. Estimated capital cost is $4.08 million + ongoing maintenance cost of the rail trail. Requires closure of section of the Armidale to Wallangarra rail corridor.

Questions from the floor One question per person Facilitator: Sam Muller

Community Perspectives Individual and group process to document participant perspectives Facilitator: Sam Muller

Summation of findings Identification of the key matters raised

Next steps Do you have more to say?

(Transport consultation – future.transport.nsw.gov.au) Next steps If you would like to provide any additional information please email regionalnsw.business@dpc.nsw.gov.au by 22 December 2017 (Transport consultation – future.transport.nsw.gov.au)