The committee for the Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail Inc has made a significant leap towards realiation of the Boorowa Galong Rail Trail with funding committed to complete the Development Plan for the 27km proposed route.
The committee was formed after Jim Ryan attended the Rail Trail forum held at Tumbarumba in April 2021. The committee comprises Jim Ryan, Chair; Paul Parker, Secretary; Julie Poplin, Treasurer, David and Julie Henderson, Alan Mostyn, Paul Young, Will and Marg Kelly, and Gail Flanery.
They quickly raised the funds from Boorowa Galong Progress Association and Hilltops Council for a Feasibility Study which was completed by Mike Halliburton and Mike Maher in November 2022.
The small village of Galong as we know is on the main Sydney to Melbourne Railway line. The line to Boorowa was a branch line only as far as Boorowa. The last train ran in 1977. Galong has an active Progress Association supporting the Rail Trail proposal. On the proposed Rail Trail route is a significant and well-maintained historic cemetery with many impressive monuments. The old railway timber trestle bridge over the Boorowa River is in a state of serious disrepair but, if restored, would be a highlight of the Trail.
Boorowa is a bustling small town of some 2000 residents with cafes, accommodation, hotels, clubs, a museum and golf course. The region is known for its agricultural excellence, especially fine merino wool production. The old railway station has disappeared but there is an impressive locomotive turntable near the end of the rail line. The trail head in Boorowa would be in an existing recreation park near the old station and only a short distance from the centre of town. Boorowa is an hour and half’s drive from Canberra and about 3 hours from Sydney.
The Rail Trail is located within the Hilltops Shire boundary. The Rotary club of Boorowa and Galong Progress Association has supported funding of the development plan along with local businesses and landowners. According to the group, the Trail is expected to boost our local economy by $1.9 million per year as it has some similarities to the very successful Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail.
Mike Halliburton and Mike Maher have been commissioned to create the plan and will commence work on Nov 30th with the plan expected to be completed by March 2024.
The committee thanks all those who have contributed either financially, by voicing their support for the project or suggesting ways the project can provide business opportunities for the community.
Rail Trail
