The NSW Government has advised that Council may lease the non-operational rail corridor between Rylstone and Gulgong, via Lue and Mudgee, for the purpose of a rail trail. To ensure Council is meeting the needs of our community, it is seeking your feedback on this opportunity.
A rail trail is a shared-use path along a disused railway, providing a safe, off-road option for recreation and tourism. The proposed trail would connect the towns of Rylstone, Lue, Mudgee and Gulgong, creating a continuous route that links communities, supports local businesses, and promotes regional tourism.
Importantly, creating a rail trail does not prevent the future return of rail services. Rail trails are designed to be reversible, preserving the corridor for transport use if required.
Your feedback will help shape the future of the Rylstone to Gulgong rail corridor and ensure it meets the needs and aspirations of the Mid-Western Region community.
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What is the length of the non-operational rail corridor between Rylstone and Gulgong?
The rail corridor is approximately 84 kilometres long and joins the locations of Rylstone, Lue, Mudgee and Gulgong.
Who owns the rail corridor?
The NSW Government owns the non-operational (disused) rail corridor from Rylstone to Gulgong via Lue and Mudgee.
Why is this consultation occurring?
Council is seeking community input on the future use of the non-operational rail corridor between Rylstone and Gulgong. Feedback will guide Council’s planning, advocacy, and consideration of options such as a rail trail.
This consultation responds to community priorities identified in Council’s Community Strategic Plan, which highlighted the need for further engagement on the corridor’s future. Community views will help shape Council’s decisions and inform discussions with the NSW Government.
What is a rail trail?
Rail trails are open, shared-use public pathways built along disused railways and provide accessible infrastructure for all ages and abilities. They provide safe, off-road opportunities for recreation and tourism, support local economies and attract visitors, and preserve the transport corridor for future use. Importantly, creating a rail trail does not prevent the future return of rail services — trails are reversible. If in the future trains are required again, the trail can be removed and the corridor reactivated for rail/train use. An example of a rail trail in NSW is the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
What are the benefits of rail trails?
Rail trails bring many benefits to the local community, from greater health and wellbeing to tourism and economic growth. They bring people together in the planning and delivery of the project, and once complete, offer a new source of outdoor recreation suitable for diverse age groups and people of differing abilities.
Rail trails also create opportunities for new small businesses to establish—such as cafes, bike hire, shuttle services, tours, and boutique accommodation—that support trail users. These businesses can generate local jobs, diversify the regional economy, and provide long-term opportunities for growth linked to increased visitation.
Who can develop a rail trail?
A rail trail proposal on NSW Government land cannot proceed without the relevant local council(s) as the proponent. The NSW Government will only enter into a lease to manage and maintain the railway corridor land and rail trail (for up to 30 years) with local council(s).
Legislation now enables the Minister for Transport to grant 30-year leases to local governments on disused government-owned NSW rail corridors (regarded as non-operational however not closed – i.e. the Rylstone to Gulgong rail corridor) for tourism purposes that provide recreational, tourism, and economic development opportunities that offer long-term value to the community. Consultation with the community is a vital part of the process.
Does Council have to dismantle the existing railway infrastructure (such as the tracks and sleepers) to build a rail trail?
No, there are no requirements that require Council to remove existing railway lines to construct a rail trail. If applicable, Council and the community may propose to build a rail trail alongside the existing railway line.
Where can I get more information on rail trails?
What funding is required for a rail trail and what are some possible rail trail funding sources?
Funding required for the development and operation of a rail trail can be broken down into 3 broad areas:
- Pre-construction such as planning and consultation
- Construction
- Post-construction including operation and maintenance
In addition to private/public funding models, sublet businesses and other operational funding sources have been provided (as guidance) in the NSW Rail Trails Framework. A rail trail may be eligible under a variety of funding programs offered by the NSW and Commonwealth governments, including jointly funded grant programs.