Wagga Wagga City Council has voted to formally endorse the Wagga Rail Trail concept and form a project steering committee – crucial milestones in bringing the trail to life.
The Wagga Rail Trail is a proposed shared, off-road trail connecting the centre of Wagga to Ladysmith.
The trail would be 21km long, sealed and largely following the disused Wagga to Tumbarumba Rail corridor, linking the CB, Equex, Governor's Hill, Brunslea Park, Forest Hill, the RAAF Base and Ladysmith.
Advocates say it would provide a safe and accessible link between key facilities, better connect local communities, and enhance health, wellbeing and tourism. It would also preserve parts of the historic Wagga to Tumbarumba railway, which operated from 1917 to 1987.
The proposed trail has attracted widespread community backing for over a decade, involving hundreds of submissions, letters of support and volunteer efforts.
Lisa Glastonbury, Chair of the Wagga Rail Trail committee, said the council's decision to endorse the concept was exciting.
"This is a major step forward for the Wagga Rail Trail and a testament to the passion and persistence of our local community.
"The overwhelming support from residents, community groups, local businesses and indeed from supporters across Australia, has shown just how much this project means to Wagga.
"We are thrilled Council has recognised that and we look forward to working together to make the rail trail a reality."
The council also endorsed an investigation into extending the popular Tumbarumba Rail Trail from Rosewood to Humula, which attracts 15,000 visits a year.
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