A major cycling and walking trail proposal between Kurri Kurri and Hexham has taken a significant step forward thanks to a funding boost from the state government.
The Richmond Vale Rail Trail Project was first proposed in 2012 and would use the former Richmond Vale rail line to create a 32 kilometre shared path.
Cessnock Council put $30,000 towards the first stage of development in 2015. At the time, the project was estimated to cost $14 million with a projected return on investment of $5.2 million annually from days trips and overnight stays.
However, the project has been stalled due to funding constraints and design issues.
The state government has announced $75,000 to allow Cessnock Council to hire a consultant to prepare a development application and conduct a review of environmental factors. The consultant would also review draft concept designs and prepare a new set of drawings.
As part of her 2019 election campaign, Paterson MP Meryl Swanson promised $200,000 towards the project if Labor was returned to power.
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| A disused tunnel along the former Richmond Vale Railway Line |
