“As a person who has ridden rail trails in Victoria and who takes the bike with me as I travel around     the  State   I  have   seen   the   boost   cycle  tourism    can   provide   to  small   ountry communities,” said Steve Whan. 

“Captains Flat and Bungendore are no exception, a rail trail is a low cost piece of infrastructure that   could   bring   thousands   of   people   each   year   to   visit   our   region   and   Captains  Flat  in particular. 

“The ride itself will take people through some beautiful  country (which we locals sometimes take for granted!) and on to the fascinating heritage precinct in Captains Flat with its rail and mining infrastructure.   It will then take those people on to spend some money on food and drink at local businesses or even to stay overnight somewhere along the way. 

“Estimates in Victoria indicate that rail trail tourism brings about $150 per day into the local  economy from each person using the track. 

“The first step though is to undertake a full feasibility study that will identify the cost of the track and the long term maintenance and funding needs. Critically it would also discuss carefully with   landowners   and   residents   along   the   route   exactly   what   is   needed   to   deal   with any concerns they might have. That includes full fencing, provision of crossing points and even supply of stock water across the track. 

“The very enthusiastic local Molonglo rail trail committee chaired by Bill Taylor have already  started some of this work and are making good progress. 

“The  experience   in   Victoria   shows   that   rail   trails   and   agriculture   can   have   a   very  good coexistence.