Trail for track

By Kath Gannaway
WITH no train in sight, a push is on for the development, sooner rather than later, of a rail trail between Yarra Glen and Lilydale.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges last year identified construction of the Lilydale-Yarra Glen multi-use trail and reinstatement of the Healesville-Yarra Glen tourist railway as stage one of a five year plan which could ultimately see a trail and railway co-exist between Healesville and Lilydale.
SKM Consultants, in a report commissioned by the shire last year, recommended the trail-tourist train option and included a solar powered ultra-light rail service as a further possibility.
However, Healesville tourism operator Brian Garth says too much time has already been wasted waiting for trains.
The Yarra Valley Tourist Railway (YVTR) has been working for more than 20 years to get the line signed-off to run trains from Healesville to Yarra Glen.
YVTR currently operates trolley rides from Healesville Railway Station four kilometres along the track to the tunnel at Tarrawarra.
Mr Garth said a rail trail could be built and in use by thousands of people each year in less than two years.
He estimated the cost at $377,250, well below the estimate provided by SKM, and said construction costs could be offset by the sale of scrap steel and the sale or re-use of sleepers.
“If another five years goes by and the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway are still working on getting a train to the tunnel then the whole thing would have to be looked at again,” he said.
“If they’re successful, fine, put the bridges in, restore the tracks and run the train to Lilydale.”
Mr Garth disputes that ownership of the Yarra Glen to Lilydale section by VicTrack and its stated intention to retain it for future railway use is an insurmountable hurdle.
“It was never asked of VicTrack whether something could be done with the corridor in the interim,” he said.
“We’re talking years and years before you get to stage three (reinstatement of trains on the line between Yarra Glen and Lilydale) – why not ask the question?”
Mr Garth’s proposal was backed by Yarra Glen residents Sally Smithwick and Lynda Hultgren who say the proven benefits enjoyed by communities along the Lilydale-Warburton Rail Trail could and should be flowing to Yarra Glen.
“How many people are going to pay the $25 for the train and then have to get to the wineries and other attractions which in most cases are not close to the stations,” Ms Hultgren questioned.
Ms Smithwick said a rail trail would provide an opportunity for local families to ride safely, could be used by local schools for bike education and would bring tourists to the town. If the rail line was fully reinstated, the SKM report states that part of the multi-use trail would have to be located within road reserves, a situation the group says would be unsafe and restrict use.
Mr Garth said moving off the rail corridor would also jeopardise support and potential investment from groups such as Bicycle Victoria and Rail Trails Australia.
“It will cost four times more and from their viewpoint that money would be better spent in other places,” he said. He said that with cooperation between government departments and the shire, a rail trail between Yarra Glen and Lilydale was very achievable.
“It would utilise public land which for over 20 years has lain dormant and have immediate community, social, health and economic benefits,” he said.
“It’s a project that cannot fail.”
The Shire of Yarra Ranges is currently working on setting up a steering committee to oversee the tourist railway/shared trail project.