Rail line project study

By DION TEASDALE
THE Shire of Yarra Ranges and the State Government will fund a study to determine the value in developing tourism projects and recreation facilities along the LilydaleHealesville rail corridor.
The study, which will evaluate the technical and engineering feasibility of developing an operating railway with cycling and walking tracks along the corridor is expected to cost $50,000.
Seymour MP Ben Hardman and Evelyn MP Heather McTaggart announced last week that the State Government would contribute $25,000 to the study with the remaining costs to be met by the shire.
Mr Hardman said the funding was a dollarfordollar grant to the shire through the Bracks Government’s Regional Investment Initiative Program.
“The LilydaleHealesville railway has effectively been closed since the 1980s, but the continuing development of the Yarra Ranges as Victoria’s premier wine and gourmet food destination means there is huge potential for the future development of the rail corridor,” Mr Hardman said.
Ms McTaggart said redevelopment options included restoration of an operating railway along all or part of the corridor, the creation of cycling and walking tracks, and further tourism initiatives between Lilydale and Healesville.
“The redevelopment of the LilydaleHealesville rail corridor would create a huge boost to tourism in the Yarra Ranges, and fits with the shire’s aims of capitalising on economic and tourism growth to increase the visitor experience in the region,” Ms McTaggart said.
“The technical and engineering study will evaluate the feasibility of restoring and developing the railway enabling the council to develop an economic strategy to promote potential job and investment spinoffs that such a development would be expected to create.”