Keep Our Rail lines Tasmania (KORT) is a group dedicated to keeping existing unused railway lines for tourism, preservation and potential future use. We also wish to assist in the opening up of rail trails on removed rail lines.
The North-East multi use trail
KORT’s real “multi use” plan for the North-East line
KORT has announced an alternative plan for the North-East line which combines the better of two forms of tourism.
Their suggestion leaves the rails in place for small railcars but also includes the infilling of the gap between the rails to allow the rail trail to proceed.
Spokesperson for KORT Clynton Brown said this way everyone would be catered for; young and old, whereas if the rail is removed only those fit enough to ride the 60 plus kilometres to Scottsdale along the line which has steep gradients, and at times is quite remote, will benefit.
The shared use idea lets those who want to, to challenge themselves by riding along the line but will also allow others to enjoy the scenery from the railcar; a more accessible activity for the wider population.
The railcars would cater for people who also want to enjoy stops at the wineries – without this service, who really wants to ride a bike after a few wines and a decent meal? It is expected that with shared use, the tourism traffic would also be less seasonal as the railcars could operate all year round, in most weathers. Furthermore, there would be the possibility to run the railcars for special events such as the very popular murder mystery trains, operated by Don River Railway until the mid 2000s.
KORT has made contact with as many parties as possible to gain support for their plan.
Labor shadow Ministers Craig Farrell (infrastructure) and Scott Bacon (tourism) have given verbal support for the idea. Mr Farrell said Labor’s position is not to remove any closed lines at all.
KORT have been in contact with the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) and a meeting will be arranged to discuss the plan further. It is hoped the result will be constructive based on the fact that with the line remaining in place the railway act will remain active against trespassers on motorbikes; with the trespassers being one of TFGA’s main concerns.
Another group contacted by KORT was the North East Rail Trail committee who were semi supportive of the idea but are no longer interested now their grant has been received. Future Transport Tasmania (FTT) was also contacted, with spokesman Tobin Rowallan saying there is the future potential for logs, mining and farm produce traffic on the line. Both state and federal liberal parties have been contacted with no reply.
Mr Brown said the shared use idea would save money on the costly removal and remediation of the rail and track bed and there also would be more volunteers to help in the line/trails maintenance. He states that concerns on the condition of the track are unfounded as the railcars could run safely on most parts of the line immediately. There is also the potential for man-powered railcars or rail mounted bikes to be available alike the successful rail track riders in southern Tasmania.
Currently KORTs main concern is that the grant received by the North East Rail Trail committee will lead to removal of the rail for a trail to only be used by a select few, when there is the potential to benefit so many with KORTs alternative plan which still incorporates the rail trail. Ultimately, the reality is that the 130 year old railway line is facing the risk of removal which would consequently take with it a huge part of Tasmanian history which can never be regained.
For more information and to contact KORT, please find Keep Our Rail lines Tasmania – KORT on Facebook.
