The proposed Molonglo Rail Trail

The Molonglo Rail Trail (MolongloRT) campaign is a community led initiative aiming to convert the disused rail line which runs from Bungendore to Captains Flat into a cycling and walking trail. An indication of community support comes from the $36,000 raised through two fundraisers for the feasibility study. The detailed description of the proposed MolongloRT is set out in the 2019 Feasibility Study which can be viewed here.

The idea to develop the MolongloRT  received a boost from the very successful Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail (TRRT) in southeastern NSW. This 20 year campaign eventually obtained NSW Government funding to enable the  first NSW trail to open in April 2020, In the 18 months of opening the TRRT, it had 30,000 users.  So many visitors have helped revitalise the towns of Tumbarumba and  Rosewood with 9 new businesses opening. Watch this Bicycle NSW Youtube video to hear the enthusiasm of locals about the TRRT. 

We strongly believe that building the MolongloRT will achieve many of these economic and social benefits for the region - but only with strong and active support from the community, council and NSW Government.  And by the community, we mean not just the people in the villages along the intended MolongloRT, but also potential users in Canberra and beyond.

Transport for NSW has identified lead contamination arising from the old mining operations at Captains Flat. They are in the process of conducting detailed investigations along with consultations with landowners and the community. Molonglo RT will work with Council, TforNSW and Regional NSW to ensure the rail corridor is a community asset for a range of uses. There is currently a focus on reinstating the Captains Flat Heritage trail around the Captains Flat rail precinct area as part of the remediation, which will create a short section of gravel recreation trail.  It is proposed to extend the Heritage Trail from the rail precinct, past the mining lookout to the village to create a cycling and walking path for the future rail trail.