Emma Pritchard
The distribution of misleading information surrounding a proposal by Glenreagh Mountain Railway (GMR) and Tallowood Ventures Ltd (TVL) to develop a 35km section of an unused branch line between Glenreagh and Ulong into a rail trail has been cited by board members as the attributing factor which has resulted in numerous concerns raised by several residents and landholders in the area.
During a public consultation at the Glenreagh Community Hall on May 28, TVL Chairman Walter Muir guided the audience of more than 30 attendees through a power point presentation, outlining the main objectives of the rail trail, including its economic value and tourism benefits, while emphasising the purpose of the afternoon was to explain the proposal in full detail, and alleviate any remaining apprehension.
While he confirmed GMR and TVL are only a few weeks into the community consultation process, Mr Muir believes the opposition to the proposal originated from people who didn’t realise what was going on.
“We’re putting a public asset to good use,” he stated.
In addressing items of concern, Mr Muir said TVL, which is registered as a not-for-profit organisation, will erect a fence on either side of the rail trail at their expense as it encompasses privately owned land, and dismissed claims of biosecurity risks with the rail corridor to be effectively separated from neighbouring properties.
He stipulated gates would also be installed to allow residents and/or livestock to access land on either side, and clear signage would be installed to prevent trespassing and trail bikes from accessing the location.
During the meeting, Mr Muir said options to secure funding for the proposal from the State and Federal Governments will be investigated as required, adding they had recently discussed the rail trail with Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Deputy Mayor Greg Clancy.
When later approached for comment, Cr Clancy said he had met and spoken with representatives from GMR and TVL, and a recommendation to apply to make an official presentation at the next CVC general meeting had been made.
Mr Muir confirmed an application has subsequently been submitted.
He was still awaiting a response from council at the time of publication.
Additional questions raised on the weekend included the lack of communication from GMR and TVL regarding the proposal, with two landholders alleging multiple emails sent to the companies have gone unanswered in recent weeks.
Mr Muir said TVL would “look into it,” and encouraged people with further questions to email info@tallowoodventures.com
Following the public consultation, a number of landholders and local residents revealed they still felt confused and angry by the proposal, and said they felt a number of key components were not adequately addressed by GMR and TVL personnel.
“They stated this proposed rail trail will have minimal environmental impact, and the only work needing to be done is the removal of the rails and sleepers and laying down a gravel base because they said they don’t intend to clear the corridor, but some of the trees growing along the intended route are pretty bloody big, and I can’t see how they can simply divert a rail trail around them,” stated a local resident.
Mr Muir and GMR President Stewart Mackie confirmed they will speak to landholders and residents along the rail corridor individually, and will host further public consultations when additional information becomes available.