A substantial number of landholders and residents of rural communities between Glenreagh and Ulong are vehemently opposing a proposal by the Glenreagh Mountain Railway (GMR) and their newly established sister company Tallowwood Ventures Ltd (TVL) to develop a 35km section of the currently inactive Glenreagh to Dorrigo Branch Line and transform it into a rail trail.
Citing potential biosecurity hazards, environmental impact, property security, invasion of privacy, and financial costs amongst their concerns, several residents including former GMR members told the Clarence Valley Independent they are “frustrated, angry, and disturbed” by the proposal.
In a message forwarded to current members on May 19, GMR President Stewart Mackie revealed the board had been exploring all avenues to create opportunities to build a viable business model, and said while there had been many inquiries regarding the reopening of rail operations to Lowanna, the infrastructure has deteriorated past the point of recovery due to large washouts, subsidence, and the loss of multiple culverts.
He stated the most effective way forward was to create a separate company (TVL) to hold and manage the former assets of GMR, including a 19-class steam engine, and manage the tourism aspect, while GMR will hold the Rail Infrastructure Manager and Rail Operations Manager status while also maintaining the Safety Management System.
Mr Mackie revealed it will cost $35 million to replace the rail and sleepers alone, before adding “we have viable rail at Glenreagh (2km), and at Lowanna (3.5km), which will be the basis of a tourist railway, the remainder will be developed as rail trails, walking trails, and camping.”
Mr Mackie also stated the two companies will move forward together to provide opportunities for all levels of the community, with the restructure placing GMR in a strong position for future growth while allowing them to focus on restoring and operating a heritage rail interest.
One resident who was particularly confused and concerned following the unveiling of the proposal said under the Glenreagh to Dorrigo Railway (Closure) Act 1993, Section 6, Point 2 states ‘the Authority must not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the railway land under this section for any purpose other than the establishment or operation of a tourist railway.’
“If TVL, who now hold the assets, is not going to operate tourist trains, that completely disregards the Act, so how can they propose to operate a rail trail?” they asked.
None of the residents who spoke to the Clarence Valley Independent were opposed to tourist trains operating along the rail corridor, while those who have sections of the railway line running through their properties agree the proposed rail trail, walking trails, and camping, will effectively open their land to the public seven days a week.
A public forum with GMR and TVL representatives in attendance will be held at the Glenreagh Community Hall at 3pm on May 28, to discuss the proposal.
The Clarence Valley Independent also approached Mr Mackie for comment.
No response had been received at the time of publication.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 24 May 2023.
