“It has the potential to destroy our business and our livelihoods.”
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Thus did fifth generation Roslyn farmer Andrew Nixon sum up the threat he fears lies in the establishment of the Goulburn – Crookwell rail trail when he addressed Upper Lachlan Council at its meeting last Thursday.
Mr. Nixon explained the railway line (on land which was gifted by his ancestors) dissects his paddocks for a distance of around two kilometres.
The trail would split his land 70/30, with most of the working facilities on the smaller area.
Some areas would be left without water, useable size or access – and fencing the trail would severely restrict livestock movement.
And, he added, he believed there were 132 landowners who would be affected by the proposed route.
Other factors Mr. Nixon foresaw as major problems included weed proliferation (his property is currently weed-free, as verified by Council inspection), the risk of the introduction of stock diseases, chemical residues from treatment of the trail, and difficulty in the use of aerial agriculture with uncontrolled movement of people on the trail.
He added that he had been advised that even though public liability insurance would lie with the trail operators that his own insurance cost would rise.
“Property security is of concern. Given the fact that people can move along the trail uncontrolled as opposed to being on a train, which they couldn’t leave.
“The estimated usage provided by the trail proponents, assuming 99.9 per cent of people do the right, still equates to 500 stupid acts.”
Property values were another factor in Mr. Nixon’s problems with the trail.
“If you are looking at two similar properties, and one has a trail running through the middle of it, which one are you going to offer the most money for?”
Increased bushfire risk was another fear – and Mr. Nixon told Council that as far as he was aware no Fire Service staff or senior volunteers had been contacted by the rail proponents.
“I am the fifth generation, with the sixth intending to return home.” Mr. Nixon said.
“The property is a successful business employing two full time workers plus up to three casuals at peak periods, plus outside special service providers.
“I have serious misgivings with the viability of the project and likely impact on adjoining landholders. No doubt there will be potential legal challenges by landholders for damages.
“Support by affected landholders for the project is minimal, unlike the proponents’ claims.”
Mr. Nixon pointed out the capital cost of the trail had already risen from $10 million to $15 million, and Government ministers had indicated local government would have to provide some of the capital funding.
“This in addition to maintaining the trail, which the proponents indicate could cost $160,000 a year.”
Mr. Nixon urged Council to consider the potential risk to its farmers and cost impacts on its own finances.
On the matter of possible gains, he pointed out that only the township of Crookwell might benefit, and asked Council to seriously question the information provided by the proponents.
“And Taralga, Bigga, Big Hill, Gunning, Tuena – there’s no benefit for them.”
Council will have a report from the Rail Trail Committee, and from its representative on it, Cr. Paul Culhane, before it for discussion at the July meeting.
