Hilltops Council is asking the community to provide feedback on the proposed Boorowa-Galong trail. Photo: Rail Trails Australia.
Hilltops Council is inviting the community to have its say on a long discussed proposal to transform the disused railway corridor between Boorowa and Galong into a 27 kilometre rail trail.
The Boorowa-Galong Rail Trail aims to offer locals and visitors a shared space for walking, cycling and mobility devices, connecting communities across the Hilltops region while celebrating the heritage of the old railway through features such as timber bridges, curves and cuttings.
While the idea has circulated locally for more than a decade, Hilltops Council says this is the first structured opportunity for community feedback.
Mayor Brian Ingram said the consultation period was a key step in ensuring the project reflected local priorities.
“The rail trail concept has been talked about a lot and now is the opportunity for everyone to have their say,” Cr Ingram said.
“We’re keen to hear from residents, landholders, local land groups and local businesses about any benefits, concerns or impacts they believe should be considered.”
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For decades, the Boorowa-Galong railway transported wheat, wool and livestock from local farms and carried passengers between communities.
Passenger services ended on 11 August 1974, and the final train ran on 23 October 1987 as freight traffic dwindled.
According to two studies, much of the corridor remains intact, making it suitable for adaptive reuse.
A feasibility study, commissioned by the Boorowa-Galong Rail Trail committee and completed in November 2022, found the proposed rail trail to be technically feasible and economically sound.
The study estimated development costs at $10.8 million, with annual operations and maintenance around $50,000, and projected the trail could contribute about $2.9 million per year to the Hilltops regional economy.
Building on this, a 2024 development plan commissioned by the committee examined gradients, bridges, road crossings and environmental constraints, concluding the corridor could function as a shared-use trail, subject to funding and detailed design.
It also identified potential trailheads, staged construction options and reinforced the expected economic benefits, while updating total construction costs to around $11.5 million for completion in stages – higher than earlier projections.
The studies also highlighted successful NSW rail trails as examples of the potential benefits for Boorowa-Galong.
The Tumbarumba-Rosewood Rail Trail, which opened in April 2020, has been hailed in the NSW Government’s Rail Trails Framework and the Rail Trails for NSW Evaluation Summary as socially and economically “excellent”, with benefits extending beyond the town itself.
It boosted regional discretionary spending by around 55 per cent and supported the growth of nine local businesses, including accommodation, food and beverage, and bike hire.
User numbers exceeded 60,000 by January 2024, with many visitors reporting they intended to return.
Similarly, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which opened its first section from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek in March 2023, attracted more than 108,800 visitors in its first seven months – nearly 3000 per day – far surpassing early projections.
Visitor surveys indicate high satisfaction, and an economic impact assessment estimated around $3.7 million in local visitor spending in the first year, with long-term projections suggesting total expenditure could reach $114 million over the 30-year lease period.
Together, these examples demonstrate the strong demand for recreational rail trails in NSW and the broader social, economic and community benefits they can deliver.
But the Boorowa-Galong Rail Trail project now hinges on Hilltops Council’s support and input from the community.
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The NSW Rail Trails Framework provides a pathway for councils to convert disused railway corridors into recreational trails while addressing planning, environmental and community considerations.
For each project, the local council decides whether to proceed, taking into account feasibility studies, development plans and community feedback.
Hilltops Council emphasises that the rail trail is still at the concept stage, with no decisions made, and says community feedback will be summarised in a consultation report to guide the next steps and ensure any future development balances opportunities with practical realities.
If the project receives widespread support, the next key milestones, according to the Boorowa-Galong Rail Trail committee, will be securing a lease for the corridor, finalising the environmental report and applying for major capital funding – likely around $15 million from state and federal sources.
With approvals and funding in place, construction could potentially begin within the next two years.
People are invited to review the feasibility study and development plan on the Hilltops Council website and at council offices.
Residents can also provide feedback via an online survey or at drop-in sessions from 3:30 to 6:30 pm at the Boorowa Ex-Services Club on Wednesday 18 February and Galong Hall on Thursday 19 February. Consultation closes at 5 pm Friday 27 February.
