SYSTEMS adopted in creating cycle/pedestrian Rail Trails in Victoria have shown the farmers and bike riders can operate together without major problems.
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Cr. Paul Culhane, who is Upper Lachlan representative on the Goulburn – Crookwell Rail Trail Group, said yesterday that adjacent landowners were understandably apprehensive about the trails close to their properties.
But special attention has been paid to their concerns, and landowners along the proposed trail have been contacted.
Cr. Culhane said that it had been found that many landowners were happy enough to have the fencing along the Trail installed, providing added control for their stock.
And those who needed to be able to cross the Trail were given “right of way” by fencing off a route for their stock and vehicles, and providing an automatic gate system for users of the Trail.
These gates will open when nudged by a bicycle tyre, and close automatically behind them within a few seconds,” Cr. Culhane said.
An important part of the Goulburn – Crookwell Trail feasibility study concentrates on meeting these and other concerns of the property owners along the way.
Trespassing, vandalism and theft fears have been expressed, but numerous studies have concluded the trails do not generate crime.
There have been no reports of trespassing, theft or vandalism on the Murray – to – Mountains Trail in Victoria, with the same result reported from the Darkan Rail Trail in Western Australia.
Clare Valley Trail had two incidents in 15 years.
On the plus side, the trails, by removing overgrown vegetations and tall shrubs, minimise hiding places and create long sight lines.
Increased threat of fire is another concern, but a fire management plan would be created with the local Rural Fire Service, and Trails are regularly closed in existing areas at times of high fire danger.
Smoking can also be prohibited on the Trail.
Weed control is another area of responsibility of Trail management.
Strategically placed bins and regular maintenance patrols are protection against litter, and where necessary composting toilets may be installed.
Experts visiting Monday and Wednesday
Anyone with questions to ask about the proposal will be able to talk to the experts (Transplan consultants Mike Haliburton and Mike Myer) at the Crookwell Information Centre next Monday between 12 noon and 7.00 p.m.
And on Wednesday next members of the Rail Trail Committee will be available at the Information Centre, again between 12 noon and 7.00 p.m.
