A proposal to build a world-class rail trail connecting Castlemaine and Maryborough is gathering steam.
Hundreds of community members have voiced their approval of the project via a survey, which will remain open until Friday 23 June.
“We understand community sentiment recorded so far by the survey has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) secretary John Carruthers. "The consultants haven’t released the final results, but they’ve revealed that with the survey in its fourth week there’s already a clear local groundswell of support for a trail.”
The proposed gravel rail trail would span 55km and take riders, walkers and horse-riders on a journey beside creeks and rivers, a disused train line, and across scenic valleys and peaceful bush and farmlands. Arts hubs, historic railway stations and spectacular bridges are among the attractions.
The rail trail would be bookended by train connections in both Castlemaine and Maryborough, appealing to tourists from Melbourne and further afield.
“If you’re a CMRT member, an active local walker or cyclist or a member of Bicycle Network who likes trails, we want you to complete the survey,” says CMRT President Janice Simpson. “Tourism and visitation to the region are going to be really important for our communities when the trail is built. We want to hear from those people too before the survey closes.” The survey can be accessed here.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive feasibility study of the proposed trail's requirements, benefits and return on investment is nearing completion.
A final report is expected by the end of July and will be made public. The next steps include environmental, cultural and land-use planning and in-depth community and landowner consultation. This phase could cost up to several hundred thousand dollars.
“The study’s interim findings are very, very encouraging,” says Simpson. "It’s too early to talk specifics, but we’re very confident that the case will be made, and that this will be compelling enough for local, state and federal governments to get right behind it.”