The Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) is a step closer to reality after City of Newcastle (CN) approved the acquisition of much-needed land to deliver the project.
It’s understood council will purchase three parcels of property in Minmi and Hexham, which have been identified as essential for the consignment of the strategic infrastructure priority.
The undertaking, set to provide inter-dependent recreational, economic, tourism, health and societal benefits, runs through Cessnock, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, utilising the Richmond Vale Railway and disused water pipeline corridors.
It’ll also facilitate access to a range of experiences/facilities, including the Blue Gum Hills Regional Park; Minmi Trailhead, township, recently completed and proposed new Fletcher pathways; the Hunter Wetlands Centre and National Park; major Active Transport routes; and links to the Hunter River at Hexham and the Rocky Knob conservation area.
CN’s decision was welcomed by Ward 4 Labor councillors Deahnna Richardson and Elizabeth Adamczyk.
“This is a long-term project,” the former stated.
“So, the acquisition of land for the development of this shared pathway is an incredibly important milestone.
“The Richmond Vale Rail Trail is an excellent example of adaptive reuse of an historic rail corridor, too, preserving those important heritage aspects like the railway tunnels, while delivering critical pedestrian and cycling infrastructure for communities in the western region.”
Since 2018, CN has consistently advocated for the proposed RVRT and taken proactive steps towards realising that vision.
In 2021, council approved a Development Application (DA) for construction, committing funding for access points at Shortland and Maryland in this year’s capital works budget.
Now, following the latest outcome, CN will begin the detailed design for the pedestrian and cycle trails for two sections of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail – from Minmi to Minmi Junction, and Fletcher to Minmi Junction.
“The procurement of the parcels of land, which were part of the former colliery rail line, is a necessary point to progress a long-standing community/councillor-supported proposal and bring the RVRT to life,” Cr Adamczyk said.
“It’ll offer residents and visitors an opportunity to experience our rich natural environment from a new perspective, by connecting locations in our city including the RAMSAR-listed Hunter Wetlands at Shortland, the Rocky Knob Conservation Area at Black Hill, and the Blue Gum Hills Regional Park in Minmi.
“I am celebrating council’s commitment to deliver the next component of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail as important public infrastructure for active and passive recreation and commuting.”
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