Tasmania on track as cycling destination

Tasmania is on track to be one of the world’s great cycling destinations with funding secured to develop a 98-kilometre rail trail experience in the State’s North-East.

‘’This project helps build the state’s already growing reputation for bicycle tourism, with mountain bikes showing the way and recreational road riders heading our way for events such as Bicycle Networks’ Peaks Challenge Cradle Mountain in November,’’ said Emma Pharo of Bicycle Network.

Bicycle Network, the nation’s biggest cycling organisation, has been lobbying for three years to secure state and federal government support for the NE Rail Trail.

‘’What’s now needed to keep that momentum going is further investment in bicycle infrastructure by the State Government, starting with the restoration and expansion of the Trails and Bikeways Funding to local government,’’ Ms Pharo said.

‘’To have the North-West Coastal Pathway completed would create a second cycling experience of international stature in Tasmania.

‘’And marketing our brilliant road cycling routes to recreational road cyclists is a critical step in driving growth.’’

The Federal Government yesterday announced that the rail trail – from Launceston to Tullendena east of Scottsdale – would receive $1.47 million. The balance of the $2.94m project will be funded by the sale of rails, sleepers and ballast from the old line.

The new funding will enable 70 km of track to be developed from Launceston to Scottsdale, and would join on to the existing 28 km already developed by Scottsdale Rotary Club.

An economic benefit assessment prepared for Northern Tasmania Development showed more than 23,000 people would walk or cycle the rail each year, growing to 35,000 after 15 years. This would bring in about $3.5 million a year to the region.

‘’The outstanding team effort from the NE community, the Dorset Council, and cycling organisations, and the compelling evidence on the benefits of the rail trail they presented is the power behind this project,’’ Emma Pharo said.

‘’The Scottsdale Rotary Club began this project, the Dorset Council backed it, the community came on board through North-East Cycling Track Inc, Northern Tasmania

Development proved up the business case, Bass MP Andrew Nikolic was a strong supporter, and the State Government has backed it as well.

‘’And we now have many businesses realising the benefits and waiting to invest, just as we have seen with the $6m in development applications in Dorset this year as a result of the mountain bike developments.’’
Emma Pharo Adviser, Tasmania Bicycle Network