Upper Molonglo Rail Trail for Bungendore Progress Association - Case Study Example

SCOPING STUDY UPPER MOLONGLO RAIL TRAIL Name Class Instructor Institution City State Date SCOPING STUDY UPPER MOLONGLO RAIL TRAIL The following is the scoping study of Upper Molonglo rail trail for Bungendore Progress Association. The scoping study will assist the Association in the process of preparing grant applications for the proposed rail trail development. The Molonglo rail trail is an abandoned rail line between Bungendore and the Captains Flat. The construction of the rail trail will have a number of significant recreational benefits for the locals and the visitors of Bungendore and the Captains Flat. The abandoned rail line will be perfect for the rail trail because of the already existing structures and features that will serve as scenic attractions. An Assessment of the Proposed Route Status of the Abandoned Rail Line The proposed route for the upper Molonglo rail trail will move from Bungendore through to Hoskingstown to Captains Flat. The former railway line follows the Molonglo River for some of its distance. The rail line was in operation between the years 1940 and 1968. The unused railway line is one of the greatest assets of the projects. That is because the lands where the proposed rail trail will be on is flattened meaning that will not need much work to develop. There is also a bridge across the Molonglo River meaning that there will be no need for construction of another bridge. Being a previous railway line, the curves and grades are gentle. The disused railway line is scenic, and that is an advantage for the tourists and recreational enthusiasts. There are a range of accommodations and independent Geographical Features along the Route Some of the geographical features along the route include the Molonglo River, the Molonglo Valley and the old mine site at Captains Flat (McGowan, 2001). Other geographical features along the route also include the Lake George farmland plains, the Tallaganda region, the Foxlow Bridge and the old railway features. One of the most impressive features includes the radio telescope from the University of Sydney. The facility is a research outpost for the higher learning institution and is quite impressive in terms of its size and scope. Possible Attractions for Tourists along the Route Along the proposed route, there a number of tourist attractions that would make the proposed project worthwhile. The historic building such as the old railway station at Hoskinstown and the Bungendore are among the attractions that will be of much interest to the tourists. The Woodworks Gallery, swimming pool, the two hotels all in Bungendore will make the proposed route attractive for the users. The Molonglo Gorge has for many years been a favourite for picnickers and will also be possible attraction. The Molonglo Gorge is well equipped for picnics and playgrounds for the children (Queanbeyan, 2015). The tourist attraction is along the Molonglo River, and the proposed rail trail will contribute to increased traffic and income. Another attraction is the Lark Hill farm that is home to a number of animal species (VisitNSW, 2015). At Lark Hill, there is a top quality restaurant. The winery allows visitors to purchase and also have at the cellar door. The admirers of fine arts at Bungendore will also make use of the new proposed rail trail route. The nature of the village at Captain’s Flat in itself is unique. The miner cottages in the village are small, and their allotments are attractive for the tourists. Other possible attractions include embankments along the route; culverts and the turntable along the route further enhance the scenic experience. The Captains Flat’s has a fascinating heritage mining and rail infrastructure that will add to the visitors’ spectacular experience (Railpage, 2015). Some Background Information on Success of Rail Trails in Other Localities in the Country There are a number of locations that the rail trails have experienced success in the Australia. One of the success rail trails includes the Murray to the Mountains. The Shires of Wangaratta, Indigo and Alpine in the year 1997 proposed to convert the old disused railway lines into rail trails (Beeton, 2006, p. 4). The disused railway lines were from the townships of Beechworth, Bright and Wangaratta where Wangaratta, provided the hub of the rail trail. According to Rail Trails Australia (2015), the new network was to provide a link between tourist attractions. The bitumen covered rail trail is suitable for cyclists, horse riding and walking. Murray rail trail was funded by the Federal and state governments through the development funds. However, according to Beeton (2006), the maintenance of the rail trail is done by the local Beechworth, Bright and Wangaratta councils. Through the study by Beeton, it was found that there were considerable benefits from the development of the rail trail that includes tourist attraction and local use. The Murray rail trail provided a useful link for the historic towns, and that attracted visitors enhancing regional tourism development (Beeton, p. 7). The primary motivation for the visitors to come to the townships was the presence of the rail trail. Additionally, the rail trail encouraged regular holidays in the region covered by Murray rail trail. The Catherine trail is six kilometres in length. The rail trail starts at Catherine station to Morey Road. The terrain of Catherine trail is flat and is located in the Northern Territory of Australia. One of the centrepieces is the high bridge that passes across the river. Some of the reminders of the former railway station are on display such a locomotive that ran on steam. Additionally, the railway bridges and also the culverts have been retained and are sources of tourist attraction. The history of the railway line is highlighted throughout the route. The Emungalan town located in the North of Catherine was the terminus railway. The Catherine railway line played an important part in the development of the Northern part of the country during the Second World War (Merlan, 1998). The closure of the railway line was due to the high development of roads in the region. The railway line was closed in 1976. The Catherine trail has attracted a number of visitors to the area in addition to encouraging local recreational activities. Possible Barriers to the Development of the Proposed Rail Trail Some of the potential barriers to the development of the rail trail include the concerns by the farmers. The farmers that have long practised farming are always worried that the development of the rail trail will, in the long run, disrupt healthy farming practices. They are also worried that increased traffic would amount to an invasion of their privacy. The residents and farmers are also worried that there may be no crossing points when the rail trail is constructed. The construction may involve fencing of the area along the rail trail, and that may close any crossing points in use by the locals and the farmers. The increased traffic of visitors concerns the farmers that there will be more contact between their animals and the trail users. Issues of insecurity are another concern not only for the Molonglo project but also for all places where the rail trails are developed (Tracy & Morris, 1998). There have been reported cases of muggings along the rail trails. Other major crimes that the land owners are concerned about include rapes, assaults and murders. Other barriers include the approval from the councils and how management of these rail trails is going to be handled. There is a question of litter, straying visitors and waste management that are significant concerns and can be barriers to the development of the rail trail. Vegetation and Weed control are another concern that the farmers would cite as a disadvantage of the rail trail development. Controlling such vegetation would be an issue since it would then be public space. Another possible barrier is that some of the shed and residences have been constructed close to the disused railway lines, and the development of the rail trail will raise some privacy issues. Another problem that the farmers are concerned about includes the splitting of paddocks to take care of the fence rail trail. That according to the farmers will interfere with the efficient management of those paddocks. Some of them may be forced to be split into inoperable sizes. Additionally the use of machinery on the lands will be hard as the lands will be divided into small pieces that are fenced. It will be challenging for the farmers, and unless specific steps are taken, the farmers will actively oppose the project. The farmers are also concerned about biosecurity. According to them, the increased level of visitor traffic will increase the chances of transmitting diseases among the plants and animals. It is through farming that these individuals make their living and, therefore, have a high stake in the project. For the success of the proposed project, the issue must be addressed. According to Tracy, & Morris (1998), the concerns of the landowners have in one way or another came to be a problem in the communities later after the project has been developed. However, despite the numerous concerns, the rail trails have been proven to be safe places for the communities (Tracy & Morris, 1998). The rail trails attract individuals that use them well. Most individuals that use the infrastructure are travellers or recreational users. Therefore, it is a misconception that the trails attract crime to the areas they are developed. Before the project can start, land ownership tenures will have to be carefully examined, and solutions be sought to deal with the land situations. To deal with the issue of insecurity, setting up fences along the rail trail would suffice. The issue of animal and rail trail users interaction would be solved by the erection of barriers. Trail design can get rid of overgrown vegetation, and that would solve the problem of insecurity and vegetation. Security lighting would also have to be taken into consideration in the development of rail trail. Cleaner corridors that are well maintained would enhance a sense of community among the members, and that would solve minor crime issue as graffiti and littering. To obscure direct views of the farming residences, screen fencing can be used together with vegetation. Key Stakeholders and Support Groups Some of the key stakeholders of the projects include the Government through the ACT tourism, the cycling organisations and the various business entities. The NSW government is one of the most important stakeholders as it will provide the full funding. The local Shires will also play a proactive role in the development of the rail trail. The ACT tourism is an active stakeholder as it seeks to promote tourism in the country. The cycling organisations will benefit from the proposed project through its members. The organisations will add to the list of rail trails that its cyclist members can use. The cyclist tourist flow will play an important part in the growth of the region. The various business entities will positively be impacted by the development of the rail trail. Businesses such as the restaurants, wineries, hotels, art galleries and the souvenir shops will get increased customers and revenue. The Shires of Bungendore, Hoskingstown and Captains Flat through the Bungendore Progress Association will benefit from increased development of the local council. The association is among the strongest supporters of the project. Other stakeholders include food outlets and transport and tourism agencies. The transport operators will gain more customers, and so the successful development of the rail trail is of great interest to them. The Rail Trail supporters group are other key stakeholders. They highlight the importance of the rail trails. The recreational groups such as those that deal with mountain bike championship are other key stakeholders. Their members will get more ground space to hold mountain bike championship events. From the NSW state government, Palerang Council among others also forms the key stakeholders to the proposed project. Bike hire businesses and bike users groups are other stakeholders. An Assessment of the Current Political Environment and Funding Opportunities In a bid to support the growth of the area, the politicians are all in support of the proposed development of rail trails. During the debate on transport amendment, the politicians showed their support for the Molonglo rail trail. The honourable member Steve Whan stated in the Parliament on the benefits of Molonglo rail trail to the community and economy at large (NSW Parliament, 2015). According to the parliament proceedings, the objections of the farmers were also presented, and solutions were offered. NSW farmers are among those objecting to the development of rail trails from disused railway lines. The group is a strong advocate of farmers’ right and has influence in many political circles. NSW farmers want the majority of the farmers around the proposed rail trails to give their consent for such projects. Politician Paul Green stated how the rail trails were important for people that need to take walks to places that are otherwise inaccessible. The debate highlights some of the crucial issues that are at the heart of politicians. The entire rail corridor from Captains Flat belongs to the NSW state government. NSW puts aside some budget money for the funding of infrastructure supporting tourism and that includes rail trails. Molonglo trail is among the three rail trails that NSW has identified to receive funding. In terms of maintenance, The Shires of Bungendore, Hoskingstown and Captains Flat will solely be responsible. Additionally, the shadow minister for tourism, Steve Whan pledged $50,000 from the labour government that will be used in feasibility work. Possible Construction Costs Some of the potential construction costs will include the cost of fencing materials, bitumen, vegetation, sign posts and labour costs. The development of rail trails cost the government significant amounts, but the projects return the amount within a period of between 5 and 10 years. The bridge across the Molonglo River will cost large amounts to repair to the level that will sustain the rail trail. Bridges are some of the most obvious facilities that remind visitors of the heritage value of the former railways lines. The bridges are among the items that are costly in developing rail trails. One of the major bridges along the proposed rail trail is the bridge that crosses the Molonglo River. The reinstatement and the refurbishment of the bridge crossing the Molonglo River are going to be costly. Installation of the hand rails and the bridge re-decking will be done in accordance with the country standards. The refurbishing will be among the significant costs of the project. A separate horse trail would be appropriate, and so there would be two different tracks. To reduce the cost of construction, locally available materials can be used. The decomposing granite is a good source of rail trail covering. If decomposing granite is preferred than bitumen, the cost will include extraction transport and application. Crushed limestone can also be used, and such materials will reduce the amount the cost of hardened materials. Attraction and interpretive signage are other materials that will generate sizeable costs. The material for the signage will be anodised aluminium as it will be good because the graffiti can easily be removed. The proposed rail trail project has a several crossing that poses a number of challenges for the construction workers. The challenges include ensuring that the crossings are safe for all users that include cyclists, horse riders and people taking walks. Appropriate signs will have to be used in these crossings to ensure that there is adequate safety for the users. There will be a need for the development of water crossings and a better drainage system. Management of the drainage system is a critical issue and will determine the feasibility of the proposed project. A properly drain facility will be maintenance free. The rail trail should be designed in a way that water is removed from the surface quickly. A better drainage system will demand some cost from the project funds. The type and steepness of the soil will ascertain the design of the drainage system that would be used. However, the Molonglo trail has a relatively gentle slopes and flat surface. In that context, it will be relatively easy to control erosion. Given the flatness of the surface, it would require the removal of existing drains on a regular basis. Each session will drainage will require allocation of funds. The culverts can also be constructed under the rail trails to drain standing waters. Each culvert would require to be purchased at the market rate. It would then be installed in particular places of the rail trail. If the decision to use culverts is adopted, adequate patching above the culverts will need patching that is also an additional cost. The maintenance costs will be catered for by the local Shires of Bungendore, Hoskingstown and Captains Flat. NSW government will cater for the initial cost of drainage construction while the local shires will cater for minor maintenances. Other possible construction costs will include the trail furniture. Furniture will have to be involved in the construction of the rail trail. The furniture could include the tables and seats at appropriate places they are needed by visitors and other rail trail users. The local woodworkers should be given the assignment to custom make the furniture according to the scenery. Other furniture infrastructure will include pit latrines can be made at trail heads. While they are costly, composting toilets are among the best. However, such toilets are only appropriate where there are stretches between cities. The 42 kilometre proposed rail trail may not need the toilet as the distance between the local councils is not that big to warrants such toilets. However, if they are included, they make some of the costs of constructing the rail trail. The parking spaces will also be needed for cyclists. Additionally, places that the horses are kept for the visitors and locals would be required. Therefore, that would be an additional cost of for horse spaces. References Beeton, S. (2006). Regional communities and cycling: The case of the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, Victoria, Australia. Victoria,, Australia: La Trobe University. McGowan, B. (2001). Dust and dreams: a regional history of mining and community in south east New South Wales. Labor History. Sydney. 1850-1914. Merlan, F. (1998). Caging the rainbow: Places, politics, and Aborigines in a north Australian town. University of Hawaii Press NSW Parliament, (2015). Transport Administration Amendment (Rail Trails Community Management) Bill 2014 - 14/08/2014 - 2R - NSW Parliament. [online] Available at: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hansart.nsf/V3Key/LC20140814030 [Accessed 13 Apr. 2015]. Queanbeyan, (2015). Molonglo Gorge. [online] Available at: http://www.visitqueanbeyan.com.au/molonglo-gorge [Accessed 13 Apr. 2015]. Rail Trail Australia. (2015). Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail - Rail Trails. [online] Available at: http://www.railtrails.org.au/component/railtrails/?view=trail&id=50&Itemid=66 [Accessed 13 Apr. 2015]. Railpage. (2015). Commitment to Molonglo Rail Trail. [online] Railpage. Available at: http://www.railpage.com.au/news/s/commitment-to-molonglo-rail-trail [Accessed 13 Apr. 2015]. Tracy, T., & Morris, H. (1998). Rail-trails and safe communities. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Washington, DC. VisitNSW.com, (2015). Bungendore | Things to do Bungendore. [online] Available at: http://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/country-nsw/queanbeyan- area/bungendore/attractions [Accessed 13 Apr. 2015]. Read More