RAILS Trails for NSW Coordinator John Moore is pleased to announce that Bungendore resident and experienced and passionate bicycle rider, Tom Dwyer, has been appointed Coordinator for the Bungendore to Captains Flat Rail Trail proposal.
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Rail Trails are shared paths recycled from disused railway corridors. They make very safe, serene and scenic routes for walking, running, prams, wheelchairs and bike riding too.
Coordinator for Bungendore to Captains Flat Rail Trail Tom sees great potential in a Rail Trail from Bungendore to Captains Flat.
The route of the old rail line goes through beautiful countryside and is situated only a short drive or moderate bike ride away from Canberra, arguably the most bicycle friendly city in Australia.
One long term aim is that the Rail Trail could join with the very popular mountain bike complexes of Sparrow Hill and Kowen Forest via either a recreational or Classic Mountain Bike Marathon or Gran Fondo event.
His appointment and enthusiasm comes at an opportune time as the NSW Government’s new budget includes a new Regional Tourism Infrastructure Fund worth $110 million to upgrade airports and develop disused rail tracks as tourist attractions.
The Rail Teams in NSW will be working hard to finalise plans for their local Rail Trail and have their submission placed before the Government for consideration.
The Hon. Tim Fischer AC, Patron of Rail Trails for New South Wales, recently said… “In close proximity to Canberra, the Bungendore to Captain’s Flat Rail Trail has huge potential, including developing a Diplomatic Cup as an annual bike race along sections of the trail between the various Embassy teams from nearby Canberra.
I wish the project well and highlight that it will add to the diversity of tourism assets in the area.”
Tim Fischer’s suggestion demonstrates the potential a Rail Trail has for hosting regular events, from charity walks and runs, annual club or community events to being the venue for weekly walking groups.
As with all Rail Trails the curves and gradients are gentle and the path wide enough to walk two or more abreast, a legacy of the steam train era.
The route is about 36 km one way, making it a challenging but achievable walk or run and a very comfortable bike ride.
Grass roots involvement and action from local communities is absolutely necessary to get a Rail Trail proposal up and running.
Although Parliamentarians and Local Councils throughout the state are much more aware of the very real potential that Rail Trails offer, they need the support and determination of their local communities to make a proposal become a reality.
Tom’s appointment is a great boost for this proposal.
Rail Trails for NSW congratulates Tom Dwyer and looks forward to supporting him and his colleagues working to make the Bungendore to Captains Flat Rail Trail a success.
If you would like to join the team, Tom Dwyer is developing and to help in this project please contact him on 0409 226 647 or tom.railtrailsnsw@gmail.com.
