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SECTION 3 - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
3.1 Introduction
Despite the obvious advantages of a rail-trail conversion, there are often opponents
to the idea of turning an abandoned rail corridor into a multi-use recreation trail.
Adjoining and nearby landholders, some of whom have farmed the publicly owned
land for long periods, understandably are disturbed about the prospect of change to
a situation that they have grown accustomed to.
Given the strong community interest in this project and the need for a supportive
community for its success, ongoing consultation will form a key component of the
future stages. Because of the budgetary limitations of this study, extensive
consultation could not be accommodated. Continued consultation and explanation
and discussion of possible resolutions to any perceived problems are essential for
the success of the project (and remains a key to the success of the project even
after the completion of this Development Plan).
3.2 Community Meeting - Wednesday 3rd December 2008
The proposal to develop a trail on the disused railway between Torbay and Elleker
was discussed at a community meeting held in the Elleker Hall on Wednesday 3rd
December 2008.
Approximately 50 - 60 people attended the meeting from the Elleker and Torbay
communities, from properties between the two communities and from the region in
general. (Note: not all who attended the community meeting completed the
attendance sheets). Details of attendees have not been included in this report due
to Privacy laws.
The matters discussed at the community meeting included:
- The origin of the proposal for a trail between Torbay and Elleker.
- Description of what a rail trail is.
- The likely user groups.
- The likely future use of the corridor for the Munda Biddi Trail.
- The issues commonly raised by neighbours of disused railway corridors when a rail-trail is proposed.
- An outline of the many successful (design and construction) techniques used on other rail-trails in Australia to overcome the concerns of adjoining landowners.
Concerns raised about the prospect of a rail-trail included:
- Existence of poison plant at western end of Wilgie Road.
- Traffic on narrow Wilgie Road.
- Possibility of theft from Wilson's.
- Stock management, particularly stock crossing the corridor (if double fenced along the formation).
- Need for continued access at (currently) gated/fenced lease area at western end of formed section of Wilgie Road.
- Possibility of trail bikes using the trail, and ways of stopping them from using the trail.
- Clearance of vegetation for the trail.
- Need for emergency vehicle access along the trail.
- Safety at driveway crossovers.
- Surfacing proposed for the trail.
- Ongoing maintenance of the trail.
- Public liability insurance.
- Funding sources for development of the trail.
Other issues raised by a landowner (via a letter to the Torbay Catchment Group):
- Increased danger to motor vehicles travelling along Lower Denmark Road (from water flooding on to road due to inadequate design of culverts on the proposed trail); and increased danger to motor vehicles from kangaroos being scared out on to the road by trail users.
- Danger to trail users caused by inadequate sight lines and poor visibility at points where driveways cross the trail.
- Danger to trail users from tiger snakes within the vegetated areas of the corridor.
- Impact on lifestyle, caused by use of trail in proximity to houses.
- Impact on the environment - caused by clearing for the trail route; and possible spread of weeds.
- Trail users need to use a toilet when mid-way between Torbay and Elleker.
- Loss of focus of Torbay Catchment Group - claims that trail project is not within scope of operations of the Group.
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