Lilydale footpath frustrations

January 31, 2024

Lilydale residents are set to band together with a peaceful protest in a bid to draw attention to a lack of walkway infrastructure in the town.

Plans are underway for a group of mums to walk with empty prams from the centre of the town to Lilydale Falls to highlight the dangerous conditions they currently encounter when attempting to access the popular recreation area on the busy Golconda Rd.

While a date is yet to be set for the action, Lilydale District Progress Association President Tony Naar said the issue had been simmering for more than five years.

“The LDPA has been having discussions with Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Michael Ferguson and the City of Launceston about the path that was promised in July 2018 by then-Treasurer Peter Gutwein,” Mr Naar said. 

“There have been lots of ‘the right noises’ but no action, meanwhile, the residents of Lilydale don’t get to enjoy the same community amenity that other residents of Tasmania can take for granted.”

But it appears new infrastructure is dependent on whether the Dorset Council proceeds with its approved plans for an extension to the North-East Rail Trail, which would start with a new car park at Lilydale Falls within the City of Launceston municipality.

Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Council would continue to monitor progress of the Rail Trail, which is being reassessed by the Dorset Council.

“If it is successfully delivered, (we will) give further consideration to a shared pathway between Lilydale and Lilydale Falls Reserve," Cr Garwood said.

“There is even potential to tap into and utilise the existing rail infrastructure for a shared trail link between Lilydale and the Reserve,” Cr Garwood said.

Mr Naar said it was a pity the community had to consider peaceful protest to pursue progress.

“The LDPA does not see a path as being dependent upon the rail trail,” Mr Naar said.

“Logistically, it will be a very expensive exercise, as there are stormwater ditches on both sides of Golconda Road which is a flood prone area.

“Unless a path is built above one of the ditches, it will require purchase of a strip of farmland along the route and re-positioning of fences. The alternative is to follow the rail line to the old station. However, a section of the line is privately owned. There is not an easy solution. 

“Having said that, there has not been any action in more than five years, so any ‘citizen action’ that can draw attention to an unmet promise from the current government might help to generate some action.”

Mr Ferguson said Golconda Road was a City of Launceston asset.

“The Rockliff Liberal Government will work with the City of Launceston to identify suitable grant opportunities to fund an active transport pathway alongside the road and the potential to share resources to that end,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mr Naar said an extension of the footpath along the eastern side of Lilydale Road as far as Mountain Road also made a lot of sense.