On March 25, prior to the ordinary Council Meeting, members of the public presented in a half-hour open forum session, which went over various things within the Council business papers, but the biggest topic of discussion was no doubt the Boorowa-Galong Rail Trail.
People got up to speak both for and against the project. Those for are saying this could be a great asset to the area and could bring in business for Boorowa and Galong. Those against argue that the Council cannot afford such a project and ratepayers are not going to be happy about the potential rate increases from the costs of the project.
One speaker said to Council, “Look at some of the timelines, if we didn’t have the interruption of COVID, then that project would have been underway by now. Rail Trails around and through Galong are not anything new. It makes perfect sense to me.
“Galong residents voted in favour of the Rail Trail proposal. During the consultation process, some participants said that Galong had nothing to offer. It’s a dud destination. Well, over the last two weekends, we welcomed people to our art display. People did come. People did enjoy it, and they did spend money.
“These corridors used to be used by trains, and I cannot understand, really, how bike riders and walkers would be more disruptive to agriculture than trains, in my mind. I find it quite unlikely. Victoria has 40-plus rail trails, and the majority of them crossing agricultural land. There’s actually 320-plus kilometres across farmland of different kinds. That’s dairy, beef, cattle, vineyards, and there’s no evidence that I’ve been able to find that agriculture has been adversely affected in Victoria by rail trails.
“The cost of maintenance has clearly come up as an issue, and I think perhaps it’s been overemphasised…..If you get the construction right, then it reduces your maintenance. Homosapiens take risks all the time, and how do we overcome risk? We use the evidence, we use our experience, and we use our common sense.”
Another speaker spoke against it, saying, “I’ve read the consultant’s report on the Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail and found it to be wanting in several areas, including, but not limited to, funding based on 2022 estimates, clear understanding from the local community, with significant preferences being afforded to those outside Galong and Boorowa corridor, in common terms known as opinion stacking.
“Maintenance and support funding based heavily on assumptions, which generates a view that Council, through rate payers, will need to support any shortfalls. Residents cannot afford it. Simple as that. The report outlines that continuing funding, small amounts from Council may……be required. How much, and is this an ongoing cost to the community?
Another suggestion was imposing a levy on businesses that benefit from the Rail Trail. How will this be imposed?
“Comparisons to other rail trails and bike paths are somewhat limited in true comparison. Lake Burley Griffin. Please. The path is around a lake, manicured parklands, through Commonwealth buildings such as the High Court, the National Library, and Questacon.
“No comparison at all from my perspective, looking at cows, sheep and a limestone mine. The report outlines a 53% support for the rail trail. This figure includes externals to residents and landowners in the Boorowa-Galong corridor. The true figure of residents and landowners is a no vote of 59% and a yes vote of 36.6%.
“The proposed Rail Trail is a money pit. The report outlines that insurances are usually covered by the Council. I don’t think you’ve got the money for it. A financial impact with the Council should not be expected to be absorbed into an already stretched budget, and certainly one which Hilltops residents……have to pay for. That is, if it does go across all Hilltops residents and not just confined to the Galong-Boorowa people.”
A total of 601 formal submissions were received about the Rail Trial, along with participation from 90 people at community sessions, reflecting strong interest from residents, landholders, businesses, community organisations and regional stakeholders.
Council’s consultation process was undertaken in accordance with the NSW Rail Trail Development Framework and Hilltops Council’s Community Engagement Strategy. It aimed to increase community engagement, provide clear and accessible information, and gather feedback to inform Council’s decision-making.
Engagement activities included an online survey, community drop-in sessions in Boorowa and Galong, targeted consultation with adjoining landholders, and written, email and phone submissions. Direct mail was distributed to nearby residents, and notifications were shared with Council’s contact lists, local businesses, community groups and government agencies.
Feedback across all consultation methods shows a highly engaged community, with a range of views expressed on the proposed rail trail. Survey results indicated that among those who live in the region or adjacent to the rail trail, opposition is much stronger, with 29.1% of all respondents strongly opposed to the project. While respondents living outside the Hilltops region expressing the highest level of support, with 52.8% of respondents strongly supporting the proposed Rail Trail.
At the March Ordinary Council Meeting that followed the panel, Council resolved to dissolve the existing Council Steering Committee.
Council said they acknowledge the large amount of work the community committee, Boorowa Galong Rail Trail Inc, have done regarding the project. Boorowa Galong Rail Trail Inc has played a key role in progressing the project and will continue its work independently, undertaking the recommended actions identified in the consultation report and reporting back to Council within 12 months.
Hilltops Council thanked all community members who contributed to the consultation process and remains supportive of initiatives that strengthen community engagement and regional growth.
– Jack Murray
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