Shire takes over rail trail control

By Melissa Donchi
AFTER months of speculation, the Shire of Yarra Ranges has finally confirmed it will manage the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.
Until recently the shire was responsible for maintaining half of the rail trail in partnership with the volunteer Rail Trail Committee.
That arrangement was terminated earlier this year when Planning Minister Justin Madden chose not to renew the committee’s contract.
The volunteer committee was established more than 10 years ago with its members strongly resisting the takeover by the shire.
“The shire’s submission is long on rhetoric, short on vision and gives a no staffing and funding commitment,” president David De Gama said.
“It is not a criticism of the shire but a fact that they have no experience and do not have the resources or the vision to manage a 185 hectare linear park of state and national tourism significance.”
But Yarra Ranges chief executive officer Rob Hauser welcomed the State Government’s decision to appoint the shire to manage the entire rail trail.
“The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is one of this state’s most popular hiking and riding destinations and we look forward to playing an expanded role in maintaining and enhancing the rail trail,” Mr Hauser said.
“Members of the previous committee of management have put an enormous amount of effort into making the trail what it is today and we sincerely thank them for their invaluable contribution.
“The shire looks forward to continuing its long association with Friends of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail as we embark on the next exciting stage in the development of the trail.”
Mr Hauser said future projects involving the rail trail include the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Maroondah Highway in Lilydale and the development of a master plan for the Warburton Recreation Reserve and the extension of the trail to the historic turntable site at Warburton.