North East Rail Trail passes another hurdle

Another hurdle to the development of the Lilydale to Scottsdale rail trail seems to have been overcome with the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT) dismissing concerns raised by proponents.

The proponents had alleged that the process of crushing railway ballasts along the rail would release dangerous chemicals into the surrounding environment and should have been assessed by the EPA, based on the volume of material being disturbed.

RMPAT rule that the development didn't meet the standard needed to require an EPA assessment but have asked council to resubmit the application with modifications regarding the development's water run-off and other minor details.

One this is resubmitted, there will be another 28 days to appeal the decision, and if not appealed the council will be able to call tenders to (finally) construct the section of the trail between Wyena and Scottsdale.

One small step at a time.

This article is based on reporting on page 5 of the Examiner newspaper, 1 December 2021.