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No more rail trails in Tasmania

No more rail trails in Tasmania

80 signatures 20 to reach 100
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Rudolf R. signed
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christopher j. signed
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chris m. signed
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J E. signed
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james s. signed
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John G. signed
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Athol C. signed
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James C. signed
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Kris M. signed
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Henk P. signed
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Started by Jeremy Ralph 9 years, 11 months ago

Too many disused rail lines in Tasmania are being turned into bike tracks called rail trails, the government maintains right of way will be preserved incase of future use but we all know once rails are lifted they won't be reinstated. We have a long proud history of rail in Tasmania and we need to preserve it, making rail trails is doing the exact opposite of this, there is the potential for misuse of these rail trails especially given the close proximity of some to farmland, the potential of it attracting people with malicious intentions is high, bothering or harming livestock, vandalism or theft of farm property and equipment, potential risks from people taking dangerous chemicals from these properties to make homemade explosives or drugs, neither of which we need in our society. Existing trails are under-utilised as it is, they'll end up becoming overgrown and vandalised, however if tourist trains are given clearance to operate on these lines then the economic benefits for most regions would be endless, a fully loaded tourist train could bring in far more revenue than cyclists on any given day. Why not build the trail alongside the tracks? It seems like a fair compromise to me, also what if large company sets up shop in one of these small towns and wants to move their goods by rail, do these towns miss out on the revenue just to please a few cyclists? Government needs to look at the bigger picture and think about future needs. Please sign and share this petition to help try and preserve our disused rail lines

44 Comments

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Christopher J. Ward
9 years ago Featured

Railways should be regarded as part of our defence/strategic planning. Upgrading is on-going and creates jobs. In the event of a grave national emergency, we may well have to rely on rail for distribution of goods. Think about it when your computer dies, watch-face goes black and the only chips that aren't fried are cooked by gas.

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John Goldsmith
9 years ago Featured

I fully agree that heritage rail projects should be established, using the current disused railway tracks. ESPECIALLY on the track to National Park. These tracks should NEVER be ripped up and converted to bicycle or walking trails. Groups like the Derwent Valley Rail Society and the Tasmanian Transport Museum should have full access to these tracks. It's a fantastic opportunity, for Tasmania, going to complete waste.

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James Cron
9 years ago Featured

Freight on rails Less trucks safer roads Rail trails are a hold plated waste of money

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Gavin Campbell
9 years ago Featured

The rail lines are in place, utilise them for their intended purpose. In every other state of Australia there are rail excursions thriving. Passengers happily pay for the privilege, these ridiculous rail trails only ever cost the taxpayer, they are not revenue earners.

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Karen Matthews
9 years ago Featured

Come on people lets keep our Rail lines open. Get on board and back this all the way Otherwise we will have push bike tracks through paddocks everywhere not everyone can ride a bike . Yes everyone can get on a train and go for a nice relaxing scenic view including the elderly , children and disabled The train is fair to all The bike ride is not fair to all !!

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Stephen Zvillis
9 years ago Featured

There are so many tourism enterprise opportunities utilising intact rails, such as pedal or motorised rail rider carts, rail / road buses (Hi-rails) that don't need the sort of resources full sized trains need, that can cater for so many more people than limited opportunities provided by rail trails. Bikes can be ridden anywhere. Riding on rails can't be done anywhere.

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Rudolf Ramseyer
8 years ago

Join our effort to Keep the North East Railway!

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Paul Vonwiller
8 years ago

I like to see the rail line reopen for the forthcoming generation.

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