Wagga Rail Trail Strategic Directions and Implementation Plan
Wagga Rail Trail Strategic Directions and Implementation Plan
Wagga Rail Trail Inc.
Inspiration
Communities with passion can achieve amazing things. Excited by the possibilities for a rail trail linking Wagga Wagga to Ladysmith (21km), local enthusiasts crowd funded the necessary monies and sponsorships to make possible the preparation of the directions and implementation plan. Not unexpectedly, opposition came from several quarters that suggested the need for a creative response that would overcome concerns and achieve similar aims to a direct link while providing multiple benefits for users and those business along the route..
Outcomes
Following initial site visits and consultation, it was concluded that the trail should be recreational in intent and not be defined by or confined to the historic rail corridor. Instead, the trail was planned as an active travel route for the city that will provide social, health, transport, environmental and economic benefits for the community.
Four guiding principles based around sustainability, the quality of the experience, the capacity of the community to manage the asset and the synergistic benefits to be gained underpinned the determination of a preferred route. Guidelines were provided for hubs and facilities, trail width and surface, signage to ensure a quality outcome while the implementation plan set out the process for legislative, planning design and construction approvals and responsibilities for trail management.
Recognition
By listening to locals and responding to their concerns and through lateral thinking about the problem, a reluctant Council and public are now on board with the concept of the trail. Councillors and community members recognise the potential economic, tourism and health benefits of this and other public trails and have initiated discussion about how to deliver on the vision of a well-planned, developed and managed recreational trail for residents and visitors alike.
Photography: City of Wagga Wagga
