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A vision for fostering tourism along the MolongloRT proposed in the Feasibility Study, wherein the trail is divided in 5km "precints", each with a unique focus.
2004-2014: The idea starts
2004-2014: The idea starts
In 2004 a group of interested locals began planning the construction of a rail trail on the old Bungendore to Captains Flat rail line. While enthusiasm remained simmering, there were difficulties due to an unclear NSW government approach to Rail Trails.
2014-2021: Gaining traction
2014-2021: Gaining traction
Interest in campaigning for a MolongloRT was renewed in 2014 after Rail Trails for NSW began lobbying the State Government to allow development of rail trails on abandoned government rail lines.
In 2014, Molonglo Rail Trail Inc (MolongloRT) was incorporated as a not for profit community association.
One of the major achievements of MolongloRT Inc was to undertake fundraisers that raised community awareness about the benefits of rail trails and and amount of $36k. These funds were used to undertake a feasibility study. This was undertaken by MolongloRT Inc with TRC Tourism and completed in November 2019, including community letters of support.
The study demonstrates that the trail is not only feasible, but would also provide significant economic, health, educational, environmental and social benefits to local communities and boost active tourism, generating a significant increase in visitor numbers.
The Feasibility Study together with letters of support has been shared with the key stakeholders in NSW government and the Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council.
2021-24: Moving forward
2021-24: Moving forward
The QPRC Council has voted to support the proposed rail trail, pending resolution of the lead contamination issue.
Transport for NSW (Tfor NSW) has identified lead contamination due to tailings from the mines used as ballast and to the use of open wagons to transport ore. TforNSW is responsible for assessing the problem, developing plans for remediation with community consultation, and carrying out the necessary works.
The rail precinct around the old Captains Flat railway station and load out area will eventually undergo extensive remediation, including the proposed demolition of the former Station Masters Cottage. As part of the remediation works, Molonglo RT are proposing to extend the Heritage Trail into a recreational pathway from the centre of the village, through the mine site, rail precinct along the corridor out to Beverly Hills Road. This recreational pathway will form the first section of the future rail trail.
Most of the contamination around the Bungendore precinct, from the rail station to the Hoskinstown Road crossing, has been identified with some temporary measures undertaken near the old goods shed. It is expected that work will begin in about 2 years.
Tfor NSW are continuing to investigate contamination along the corridor between Bungendore and Captains Flat. Preliminary assessment reveals varying level of contamination.
The MolongloRT committee are proposing that the simplest solution to the contamination is to cap the rail line and make it into a rail trail. MolongloRT will continue to work with TforNSW Regional NSW (who is responsible for rail trails) and QPRC to achieve a trail that is accessible to the community.
Picture of the President of MolongloRT Inc, Bill Taylor, on the unused rail line near Bungendore in 2015 used in a Canberra Times article about the MRT Feasibility Study published in the Feb 23, 2020 edition. Picture: Jay Cronan
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