MAYOR Cr. John Shaw and other Councillors emphasised at last week’s Upper Lachlan Council meeting that no decision has yet been made on whether or not the Council will commit to the Goulburn – Crookwell Rail Trail proposal.
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Cr. Malcolm Barlow was particularly anxious to make this clear, as he claimed that there was a widespread perception that Council had already made a decision to support the project.
“Council has never voted yes to this project, and people need to know this,” Cr. Barlow said.
He added that Council did not know how the concerns expressed would be genuinely met, nor was the cost to Council known at this stage.
“The ongoing maintenance costs are not known, and there is some talk of Council making a contribution to the capital cost.
“All of these things need to be clarified.
“This Council has to make it clear to its constituents that it has not committed itself to the rail trail.”
Cr. Jo Marshall agreed: “Who knows who will be around this table when the final decision has to be made?”
Cr. Shaw confirmed there was a perception of Council’s agreement – “we supported the feasibility study only, and we have not committed to the proposal.”
Cr. Brian McCormack expressed concern that the capital costing at this stage showed a huge difference between Upper Lachlan engineering department and the Rail Trail Group - $18 million against $12 million.
Cr. Paul Culhane explained that the Rail Trail estimate had been revised upwards as the earlier figure had been based on non-removal of the sleepers, something which would have to be done.
He said he shared Cr. McCormack’s concerns.
Cr. Barlow: “What about maintenance costs?”
Cr. Shaw: “There is no figure on that yet.”
Cr. John Searl: “The time will come when the costs will have to be looked at.”
Meanwhile, there is no indication State Government funding will be available for the project in the foreseeable future.
A media release from Regional Development Minister John Barilaro has declared the Tumbarumba – Rosewood rail trail proposal is the strongest application for funding, demonstrating “effective community consultation, a viable operating model and the ability to generate immediate economic benefits.”
The Minister indicated $5 million had been allocated to “pilot” the project which had the potential to link vineyards, a museum and other small businesses.
