Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on the Boorowa–Galong Rail Trail Concept up until February 27 at 5:00 pm. You can view the Summary Document, Feasibility Study, and Trail Development Plan on the Hilltops Council website.
Council asks that the community note that feedback provided in Facebook comments won’t be collated. To make sure your feedback is formally recorded and considered, they encourage you to share it via the survey on their website or visit the upcoming community consultation sessions in Boorowa and Galong.
These sessions will be held at the Boorowa Ex-Services Club, Wednesday, 18 February 3.30 pm – 6.30 pm and Galong Hall: Thursday, 19 February, 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
The Boorowa Galong Rail Trail is at the concept stage and is presented for discussion. Council has not yet reached a decision on the proposal. All feedback will be summarised in a Consultation Report presented to Council to inform the next stage of decision-making.
The concept explores the potential to transform the 27-kilometre railway corridor between Boorowa and Galong into a safe, scenic and accessible recreational trail for walking, cycling and mobility devices, while also raising matters for consideration such as cost to develop and maintain land use and privacy. The plan has been the subject of many Council discussions for a number of months.
Community members have already voiced their opinions, with one person against saying, “I say no. It is not cost-effective, nor will it bring the so-called financial benefits to the Boorowa/Galong economy. No businesses have been approached to outline how the rail trail will benefit their financial forecasts. I would like to see how the rail trail committee have defined these benefits without widespread consultation with the community in general. I am wondering what economy in Galong exists for it to be improved. I do not know if you can even get a coffee in Galong.
“The cost, according to the rail trail committee, for the establishment of the rail trail is around $12m. Then there are the costs of maintenance and insurance. The risk to property owners along the trial concerning biosecurity and maintenance of fences. Who pays for all of this? I am concerned about the impact on the residents of Boorowa, where we shall be obliged to contribute through our rates for the upkeep of the rail trail. If businesses are going to benefit from this project, should they pay additional rates… I do not think so. Should we, as ratepayers pay for something that most of us do not want? I do not think so. Our water and sewerage rates are going to increase by around 3% this year, just for Boorowa residents, due to Council having to update our infrastructure. The Rail Trail will eventually require resident contributions to support it. Not for me.
“We, the residents of Hilltops, have already paid out thousands of dollars of ratepayers’ money to establish or help establish feasibility reports, now we, the ratepayers, have paid for a consultant to perform a consultation process with the community, at a cost of $14,000. Plus, Council staff time and effort to organise these meetings. I am sure we could find ways of utilising the $12m in grants for the betterment of residents of Galong and Boorowa, in a way other than a rail trail. Especially when the majority of locals most likely will not use it. Please, if you are for or against the rail trail, get along to the consultation sessions to ensure your views are noted and raised as part of the report you are paying for. This way council can make informed decisions based on real evidence as prescribed by the Boorowa community.”
One community member who had a more positive view on the rail trail said, “The Boorowa Galong Rail Trail is a worthy project. The Business Case Study suggests it will return an investment in excess of 20% on investment per annum.
“The funding would come from Sport and Rec and Tourism Grants. “We need to support and supplement our Town Centres, i.e., shops, cafes, accommodation and not let larger towns suck the life out of our CBD. Water is a priority for Boorowa, and such works will be funded by Public Works with some debt to ratepayers.
“The BGRT steering committee have contacted Hilltops Council and Goldenfields, re: a pipeline to be simultaneously built along the Rail Trail, but it hit a wall of no’s. Why? I cannot tell you. “Cyclists and walkers will bring their families to our area and spend. “Let’s be positive and get behind The Rail Trail and Water. It can only be good for our Community.”
What do you think?
– Jack Murray