Locals want decision on fate of North East Rail Trail
First up, any proposition of a commercial passenger transport rail service in Tasmania on the rail network as it currently stands, is pure fantasy and any serious suggestion of such, diminishes the credibility of the restitution of any form of rail passenger service in the state, and damages the credibility of realistic rail passenger advocates.In Rail wish list land
Two major things need to happen before any commercial rail passenger transport service would ever be feasible. 1] The main south line would have to be TOTALLY re-routed between Brighton and Antill Ponds (via the Jordan River Valley) and the existing line via Campania, Colebrook, Rhyndaston and Parattah totally abandoned. Simple deviations on the existing line would never be sufficient; 2] The rest of the MSL and Western Line seriously upgraded to high-speed capability, with multiple deviations, curve straightening and super-elevation. Anything less than a 160kph maximum (for passengers) or 110kph average, would be insufficient. Obviously that would cost a fortune - however, the benefits for freight (140kph max) would also be substantial. The prospect of there ever being the money available to fund that is very doubtful (as worthwhile as it would be).
The only realistic prospect at present for passenger services in Tas are those that are currently proposed, i.e. Hobart commuter rail; DVR on the Derwent Valley Line and TTMS on the Hobart Line (which may merge to capture the cruise ship market), LNER on the North-East Line and DRR on the Western Line. Destination & experienced based tourist services in specific limited areas are viable. Expanding those services state-wide is not realistic at present but with a change of management at Tasrail (and State Govt) or a dynamic main-land based entreprenurial player entering the scene, state-wide T&HR services could potentially return.
Interesting outcome.No, it was a total capitulation by a lazy gutless Govt to Dorset Mayor Greg Howard and his manic insistence on destroying the N.E. Line and burdening the Dorset municipality with an ongoing financial black-hole of extending a rail trail, that is already a proven dismal failure (between Scottsdale and Legerwood) against the demonstrated wishes of Dorset ratepayers and major Dorset businesses (inc. the wineries and Bridestowe Lavender farm).
Certainly the govt hedging their bets and increasing the likely hood of success for both.
The government seems to be set on a compromise proposal where rail runs between Turners Marsh and Lilydale and the bike track from Lilydale to Scottsdale.
https://www.examiner.com.au/news/local-news/5549250/rail-trail-and-cycle-track-both-supported-by-state-government/
https://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/infrastructure_tasmania/north_east_railway_proposal
The government seems to be set on a compromise proposal where rail runs between Turners Marsh and Lilydale and the bike track from Lilydale to Scottsdale.
https://www.examiner.com.au/news/local-news/5549250/rail-trail-and-cycle-track-both-supported-by-state-government/
https://www.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/infrastructure_tasmania/north_east_railway_proposal
But would Scottsdale be a better terminus?
Yes Scottsdale is the railways ultimate terminus.
But would Scottsdale be a better terminus?
Maybe, but that's a lot of very average quality track for a small group to maintain.
Remember, this is also a group that was founded with the aim of rescuing a single loco.
They haven't even managed to secure that one yet, years after being told to get it out of East Tamar.
Most original DTT members have stepped away from LNER, as loco preservation is no longer the primary focus.
it will cost money to maintain the rail trail so why not expect the Tasmanian Government to provide some maintenance for the track?That's the thing - the whole premise of the LNER, is that there is sufficient available sponsorship by supporting landowners and businesses (including major tourist establishments like Bridestowe Lavendar Farm) that the railway can get into operation by private funding and then sustain itself (with NO call on Govt or ratepayers funds) whereas the "rail trail" will be nothing but an endless drain on ratepayer and State / Federal taxpayer funds for very little return for local residents / businesses (other than some niche cycling support enterprises).
Yes, I sympathise Leon, you are not the only one, as the whole raison d étre for joining DTT (preserving the E.E.s) has been overtaken by the N.E. campaign (obviously not what you signed up for). Exactly why I stepped down from the Committee and Executive.
Most original DTT members have stepped away from LNER, as loco preservation is no longer the primary focus.
I might as well point out at this stage i'm one of those former members.
Finding out about the LNER from public postings was the last straw for me not renewing my membership.
Most original DTT members have stepped away from LNER, as loco preservation is no longer the primary focus.
I might as well point out at this stage i'm one of those former members.
Finding out about the LNER from public postings was the last straw for me not renewing my membership.Yes, I sympathise Leon, you are not the only one, as the whole raison d étre for joining DTT (preserving the E.E.s) has been overtaken by the N.E. campaign (obviously not what you signed up for). Exactly why I stepped down from the Committee and Executive.
However, I am disappointed you only found out about the evolution of LNER from public postings, as when I was Secretary, I was scrupulous in fully documenting all proceedings and decisions from meetings in the minutes and religiously posting all minutes out to all members by e-mail (or post if there was no e-mail) including yourself.
Obviously proceedings at NERAF meetings (in which I wasn't involved) weren't documented or any other meetings that didn't include myself, but I tried to ensure members who couldn't get to meetings knew exactly what was happening. If your lack of communication cropped up after I left, I understand, but whilst I was there, I did my best to ensure all members were fully informed.
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5666254/current-rail-plan-strikes-right-balance-says-state-government/The latest decision by the City of Launceston has decided to support retaining the rail infrastructure for tourist rail use within the councils boundaries. Thus Dorset's preferred rail trail has been reduced to the council boundary line to the east of Wyena, now excluding the tunnel and Denison Gorge from the reach of the rail trail. City of Launceston have suggested rail trail proponents can built the trail alongside the railway where practical or alongside the road.
Thoughts?
https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5666254/current-rail-plan-strikes-right-balance-says-state-government/...regardless of the outcome RT or no RT, there will never be a train of any type (on 3'6") reach Scottsdale ever again, something the farmers wanted all along.
Thoughts?
Final report is out:not quite, it say to retain the rail line to Wyena. (I could be wrong)
http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ctee/Council/Reports/gab.ner.FinalReport.pdf
The result is: Support rail Launceston to Lilydale and trail from Lilydale Falls to Scottsdale.
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