City to the sea tourism bid
Dorset Council finally has a unanimously supported vision to expand the North East Rail Trail into a tourism concept that would be a “truly world class offering”.
That was the view of all nine councillors who expressed excitement at a revitalised offering that would operate as a regionally connected network rather than an isolated asset.
After more than a decade of disputes over the concept of transforming the disused rail corridor from Scottsdale to Lilydale, elected members have voted to endorse the development of a new North East Trail Network Master Plan.
The City to the Sea concept would see a regional multi-use trail network connecting rail corridors, forest roads and trail networks from Launceston through to Break O’Day, including the Rail Trail.
Presenting the expanded vision, General Manager John Marik urged the Council to support a once-in-a generation opportunity and take advantage of increased demand for multi-day self-guided and immersive experiences.
“I am pretty passionate about it. I think it is something that is quite bold and visionary for Council and I’d like Councillors and the community to think beyond the next few years and whatever the finances may be today,” Mr Marik said.
He said it would build on the municipality’s world class reputation for mountain biking and capture many new markets of leisure riding including gravel enthusiasts and e-bikers, as well as walkers, horse riders and those interested in exploring the area’s natural beauty.
Mr Marik will approach NTDC and Visit Northern Tasmania to assist with funding and will instigate more discussions with City of Launceston and Break O’Day to seek their support for the masterplan which will establish concepts, staging, priorities, cost estimates and funding pathways.
He said the process would include community and stakeholder consultation to inform design, alignment and feasibility.
Moving the motion of support, Cr Jan Hughes said she was “ever so excited” to have a holistic and collaborative approach.
“It emphasises a more nature-based tourism which is perfect for our landscape because we know we live in a beautiful region of Tassie,” Cr Hughes said.
“I think it gives us a better direction and allows for a broader alternative and it is not just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a rail trail which I think maybe we had got bogged down in.”
Cr Edwina Powell said it was a terrific broader opportunity to market the North East “as a gem in all of Tasmania”.
“I think the North East has been sadly underdeveloped in terms of tourism and marketing and this is our opportunity to ensure it does happen in a good way. It does allow for a story to be told.”
Cr Kahlia Simmons said it would deliver meaningful benefits to the region and make use of existing infrastructure to support tourism and improve community wellbeing.
“It is critical the process involves genuine and ongoing community consultation by listening to locals and giving them a real say to make sure the project fits with what our community wants and everyone can be excited by the project happening.”
Cr Vincent Teichmann said the changes made to the proposal had addressed the reservations that led him not to vote in favour of the Rail Trail Stage 3 proposal tabled at last June’s meeting. His suggestion to ensure signage was improved at places such as the Billycock where the trail currently ends would be looked at.
Cr Merv Chilcott referenced a giant T-Rex skeleton with “potential to fill in between the bones in so many areas”.
“With solid planning and good decisions and a little bit of fortune in regard to gaining finance in cooperation with our neighbouring councils I think it will be a great thing,” he said.
Mayor Rhys Beattie said he was always excited by big visions adding that the overall project could encapsulate activities like fossicking and history with marketing material critical to its success.
He said the regional nature of the concept would mean it would be easier to sell the project for funding.
The Council’s 9-0 support is a major change from last month’s discussion around the table to take the Scottsdale-Lilydale trail off the priority projects list.
Cr Wendy McLennan said she was glad she had raised the matter because a much better outcome would now be realised.
She also highlighted issues with the unfinished Railway Station Precinct redevelopment, with revelations that legislation will need to be changed to allow for some commercial uses at the site.