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Time to get Rail Trail works back on track

Now the Legislative Council inquiry into the North East Rail Trail has concluded, it’s time for the state and federal governments to get the project back on track, Bicycle Network Tasmania said today.

“The state government should quickly introduce the legislation needed to transfer the rail corridor management from TasRail to Dorset Council,” Public Affairs Manager Alison Hetherington said.

“The federal government then needs to step up and renew it’s funding commitment to the project.

“Tasmanian federal MPs have supported the project and they should ensure the funding is renewed.

“More Tasmanians need to exercise regularly to help reduce their risk of preventable ilnesses such as heart disease and diabetes, and we need better infrastructure to make it easier to move.

“Rail trails have also been shown to be successful at increasing tourist numbers in regional areas interstate and overseas.

“Bicycle Network would like to see more disused rail lines around the state converted to rail trails for their tourism and activity benefits,”  Ms Hetherington said.