Cessnock City Council has committed $30,000 to the first stage of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail project.
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The Richmond Vale Rail Trail utilises 34 kilometres of disused rail corridor as a shared cycleway from Kurri to Hexham – spanning three local government areas from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie to Cessnock.
This project is positioned to be the fourth rail trail project in the Hunter Region following the Fernleigh Track, Glendale to Wallsend Cycleway and the Fassifern to Toronto Rail Trail.
Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said the Richmond Vale Rail Trail offers a special opportunity for local residents – a safe commute for cyclists while preserving the rich mining history of our region.
“This project would see environmental, social and health benefits to the local area with wider benefits for the community such as improved amenities and an increase in visitors,” Cr Pynsent said.
Upon completion the project is estimated to cost approximately $14 million with a projected return of investment of $5.2 million annually attributed to day trips and overnight stays.
The first stage of trail development is anticipated to start towards the end of 2015.
