Celebrations were in order this week with the turning of the first sod on the new Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail.

Gathering on site on Wednesday, dignitaries and community volunteers celebrated this official symbol of progress towards a long held community vision for the region. 

The former member for Albury Greg Aplin was recognised for his dedication over many years in pursuing the changes needed at State government level to secure the land and make the project possible.

Members of the Tumbarumba Rail Trail Committee reflected on the hard work that has gone into the project since they first came together in 2003; taking it from the germ of an idea, bringing people on board, planning and negotiating the trail. Volunteers have already done some hard physicial work as well, pulling up the steel rails on the first section – visible in the snap below.

When completed, the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail will be multipurpose recreational trail approximately 22 km in length, suitable for walking, running and cycling pursuits. Snowy Valleys Council is responsible for planning, design, construction and ultimately management of the trail. Council is working in partnership with the volunteer Rail Trail Committee in the planning, design and delivery of the project.