A draft plan exploring the future of the Upper Derwent Valley has drawn criticism from railway preservationists, who fear it could spell the end of heritage train operations.
The Derwent Valley Council has released its Upper Derwent Valley Precinct Plan for public feedback, with submissions open until February 22.
The draft document lists “repurpose the rail corridor as a shared-use rail trail” among its strategic directions for the region.
However, it also acknowledges the corridor’s heritage value, stating “parts of the corridor may support heritage rail, while other sections offer opportunities for walking and cycling trails”.
The Derwent Valley Railway Preservation Society claims the plan proposes “to remove all of the heritage railway line from New Norfolk to National Park”.
“Despite the fact that the DVR has a fully costed business plan to reinvigorate this track and run tourist train services again, this has been completely ignored,” the group posted on social media.
The society argues converting the corridor into a trail would require ripping up rails and infrastructure, permanently ending any prospect of heritage train services.
Mayor Michelle Dracoulis has rejected suggestions the council wants to end heritage rail, saying that was “not an accurate representation of the situation”.
She said trains had not run beyond New Norfolk for more than 20 years, the corridor was in a “state of disrepair” and bridges were not rated to carry operational rail traffic.
The railway also does not hold accreditation to operate passenger services, she said, with no accredited rolling stock currently running on the line.
Dracoulis said she and new council chief executive Wes Young met with the railway group last week and encouraged members to lodge a formal submission on the plan.
“When the CEO and I left that meeting, it was in good faith, with the clear expectation that all parties would participate in the RPPP through the same formal consultation process available to everyone,” she said.
She said the rail trail concept came directly from local residents who wanted safer ways to move through their communities on foot, by bike and on horseback.
“This process is not about determining outcomes in advance, nor is it about competing for attention in the media,” she said.
Cycling advocates have welcomed the draft plan, with Bicycle Network Tasmania describing it as “exciting news for rail trail riders” and encouraging members to take part in the consultation.
The Tasmanian Government Railways opened the Derwent Valley Line in 1887, eventually extending it 74 kilometres to support timber and freight industries.
The line closed beyond New Norfolk in 1995 and has largely sat idle since.
Railtrack Riders operates pedal-powered vehicles on sections near Maydena.
TasRail owns the corridor and has granted the preservation society a licence for a 500-metre section in New Norfolk.
Workshops on the plan will be held throughout February, with submissions able to be made via the council’s website.
