Back in Business Physiotherapy - Walker St, North Sydney, Australia

- at $200 000 per km this makes it one of the most expensive tracks in the world!! Generally with a recycled concrete balast base, the cost is $60 000 -> $100 000 per km and would be far more appropriate!!!!! Aditionally, the recylced balast version is permeable to rain and doesn't crack and hence has much lower maintenance costs. As of writting on 18 Aug 08, the BMCC hasn't been able to find appropriate tenders for the feasibility study!!! More procrastination and stalling.

"It has never occurred to me it might matter to drivers what a cyclist wears because, clothed or naked, with a helmet or not, all cyclists in the city are irritating and I find bring on an overwhelming desire to swerve towards."

Clearly this kind of advice, in broken English, by a Sydney journalist reflects that of the mundane and ill-informed. All levels of government should start to consider the construction of Rail Trails as an investment for present and future generations, rather than merely more expenditure. The following arguments are based on rational economic assumptions, validated by research into tourism and health. Please feel free to contact myself with comments. Even better still, contact and vote for the people who have the power to create fundamental, lasting and sustainable change.

- Health and prevention of Syndrom X (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, stroke)

According to the Urban & Rural Divisions of General Practice the Blue Mountains has a 47.5% obesity rate. The SMH on 29 January 2008 had front page article "We're Fat Because We Have To Drive". Dr Katriona Herborn has been advocating a cycling facility along the Upper Blue Mountains railway line since the 1980's. I put the proposal forward on these pages as well as submissions across every level of Government since 1998. IN A DECADE WE HAVE GOT NOTHING - and at what price???? The cost of the Rail Trail is only $4 million yet the extra COST OF OBESITY IS $145.- more per obese person per day in hospital. Telling people to walk and exercise isn't going to be enough - WE NEED INFRASTRUCTURE and an end to nepotism.

Bob Debus, local NSW member for the Blue Mountains announced that he is making his move into Federal Labor politics for the 2007 Federal election. Since, actions speak louder than words, this gives the Right Honorable Member the possibility of showing Federal Labor's true commitment to health, global warming and the local economy by turning the first sod in the construction of the Upper Blue Mountains Rail Trail, from Wentworth Falls to Mt Victoria. It is a unique opportunity for a retiring State Minister to instigate an election promise before even being voted into Federal parliament. Interestingly, the new federal boundary will extend as far west as Bathurst, thereby giving this electorate the possibility of boasting both the Tarana - Oberon Rail Trail, as well as the Upper Blue Mountains Rail Trail.

The Australian Financial Review recently quoted Peter Strang of the Bicycle Federation of Australia saying that sales of bicycles have gone from a steady 800 000 to 1 million a year in 2002 and 2003. Furthermore, the article argued that participation rates in physical activities rose from 54% to 62% and that the overall trend was to "that which work isn't - freedom from time constraints, less stress and competition and a meaningful connection with people or places". Paramount is "the ability to get fit with minimum hassle, to socialise and commune with nature...club sports focused on competition are in decline". Cycling appears to be able to accommodate well in "the quest for well-being"

Whilst close to 1000 people signed a petition in suport of the Rail Trail in 2000, in 2007 little has been done. Don't all levels of government have a civil responsibility to it's citizens based on a bottom-up approach to sustainable community welfare?

According to Blue Mountains council meeting of the 1 April 2003 (unfortunate date) the Blue Mountains Rail trail proposal between Mt Victoria and Katoomba will cost $4 000 000 with extension to Lapstone costing another $9 000 000. Ongoing maintenance will cost "hundreds of thousands of dollars per year". This seems to me to be a very gross estimate? Since I am not an engineer I would love to hear of anyone's opinion of these latter estimates? The track is approximately 30km long. Using US figures, at $US50 000.- per mile this would represent $US937,500. at a lower estimate and at $US200,000 would represent $US3,750,000 at a higher estimate (see below). These figures include the purchasing of land as well as using poured concrete. In Australia, committees cost estimates of construction vary between $20 000/km and $100 000/km. It is likely, that even the lower figure is greater than the true cost, as we are only asking for fencing, signage and the upgrading of the surface of the already existing gravel track between Mt Victoria and Leura. From Leura to Wentworth Falls a concrete path may be more appropriate. Yet, here again, a concrete path already exists from Wentworth Falls shops past Blue Mountains Grammar and TAFE. Similarly, a partial bike track exists past Korowal school.

Funding and Cost Assessments by the Queensland Government

The Queensland Labor Government has pledged $3.6 million dollars for the development of a 157km Rail Trail in the Brisbane Valley (January 2007). The $3.6 million funding includes; $2.1M for track construction (earthworks and track base) fencing, erosion control, toxic site remediation, tree planting, signage and gates; $700,000 - Rail bridge at Harlen (over Cressbrook Ck), other bridges and gully crossings on the Linville to Blackbutt section may require substantial work or replacement. $500,000 - road crossings for the D’Aguila and Brisbane Valley Highways and other major roads $160,000 [Horse yards + pedestal toilets + camping area for 15 people + water tank + fencing + bike rack + fireplaces]. A further $2.4 million will be spent on a 76km Rail Trail. The Boonah to Ipswich Trail will be approximately 76 kilometres long and will cater for the current and future populations in Greater Ipswich and the Western Corridor. It will link Ipswich to the new Wyaralong Dam and the Boonah district. The $2.4 million funding includes: $160,000 [Horse yards + pedestal toilets + camping area for 15 people + water tank + fencing + bike rack + fireplaces] $150,000 sleeping shelters $400,000 [Trail head facilities with car park for tow vehicles + floats+ pedestal toilet + fencing + bike rack] $400,000 road crossings, $780,000 60km new track or works, $20,000 safety signs. These cost estimates are a lot less than my estimations (based on North American assumptions) and strongly suggest that the Upper Blue Mountains Rail Trail is a much cheaper proposition than what was originally thought.

Sydney Water considers the catchment area of Katoomba reservoir as a sensitive issue. However, it is highly unlikely that pollution from bicycles would contaminate the ground water anymore than trains, or the service vehicles which now use the 3 parallel tracks. Furthermore, any contamination issues should be made as a comparison to 'run-off' from the Great Western Highway at Jamison Creek (Wentworth Falls) and at the Cox's River at Hartley. Additionally, the provision of a fence either side of the Cycle Track is likely to deter rather than enhance people trespassing beyond the Track. Finally, open use of the track is in line with the Federal Governments Anti-Terrorist Policy of reporting suspicious activity. The Rail Trail thus becomes the eyes and ears of the community.

Australian Rail Track Corporation (formerly Rail Corp)

ARTC are the owners of some of the land where the proposed Rail Trail is to be constructed. Significantly, most of the Rail Trail is already situated outside the ARTC fencing. The remaining 8km, include approx 1km between Railway Pde and Glenview St (Leura - Katoomba), approx 5km between Katoomba and Railway Pde in Medlow Bath (the outer track could possibly belong to Sydney Water?!), and finally approx another 2km between Blackheath and Mt Victoria. At the latter site, Rail Corp had given special permission for climbers to use part of the track (see beautiful pictures & map). It is envisaged that in those locations where ARTC is to be approached it would be on the basis of requesting the use of the outer perimeter of their property. In this manner there won't be any hindrance for maintenance work or emergency services. Finally, ownership issues could be resolved through the setting up of a trust and leasing arrangements between the trust and ARTC.

In contrast to North American estimates, it is proposed that the land for the Rail Trail is leased by a trust rather than purchased. Similar models exist in Victoria for rail trails. In NSW the Sydney Harbour Trust Authority might be a good example.

Considerable construction costs can be saved by using existing infrastructure. The sections around Wentworth Falls and Leura may use existing quiet side roads, as would the sections in Medlow Bath, Blackheath and Mt Victoria. The track between Leura and Katoomba should follow Railway Parade and join to Glenview Street through a small section of Rail Trail. The approx 5km section between Katoomba and Medlow Bath requires some significant upgrading, whereas the sections between Medlow Bath and Mt Victoria are already in existance and in a reasonable state of repair. Transpositioning of fencing is required for a small section (approx 2km) between Blackheath and Mt Victoria. Further fencing may be required along the initial section of track between Katoomba and Medlow Bath. Therefore, the estimated cost should be very reasonable.

Additionally, the use of gravel ballast and/or recycled concrete is a prefered and chaeper option to poured concrete. Poured concrete has high maintenance costs and is generally considered environmentally unfriendly.

Recent television appearances (March 2004) suggest that Blue Mountains Tourism is worried about the dwindling numbers of visitors. Yet, is this surprising when there is only Echo Point and steep bush walks on offer??!!!

Recently, Australian Cyclist (Aug 2003) reported that cyclists spend over $CAD95 million ($AUD104 million) annually along the Route Verte in Canada. The Canadian Governments annual report explains that this represents 2000 jobs and revenues of $CAD15.1 million for the Government of Quebec and $CAD11.9 million for the Government of Canada. Therefore, even if the Rail Trail was as expensive as the Blue Mountains City Council makes out, it would still represent a minimal investment when compared with potential income!!!!! (PDF version)

The Route verte website places the entire bikeway network within reach of your fingertips, region by region and route by route. The site includes information about tourist attractions and events, accommodations (you can even reserve on line), bicycle retailers and transportation options.

Use this remarkable tool to virtually explore the Route verte, which now comprises over 3,000 kilometres of bikeways crisscrossing all regions of Québec. There is no more convenient, user-friendly or effective way to plan your cycling vacations — and to set just the right pace

"If you build it they will come"

The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail in Victoria brings an estimated $1 000 000 in tourism alone. It is 98km in length and was a a feature article in the Australian Geographic during 2004.

La Trobe University Associate Professor Sue Beeton has released the results of a further study into the economic effects of Regional Communities and Cycling. Results indicated that in 2006 the average cyclist spends a total of $258.- per person per day ! This is up from $203.- in 2003. Additionally, it was found that the 8300 Easter visitors alone contributed $2,141,400 to the local community. This represented 21.6 F/T jobs being created by the Easter visitations.

The study was conducted on the Murray to Mountains rail trail in north east Victoria, Australia's most well used regional rail trail. It follows up on a study of several Victorian rail trails Professor Beeton carried out in 2003.

This study indicates that the Average Expenditure, per person per day is significantly higher than the 2003 report.

"Rail Trails provide outstanding opportunities for tourism and recreation, and can encourage outdoor activities and exercise due to the relatively gentle nature of the gradients and the attractive places many pass through. The also provide economic opportunities for the local host communities as well as the increased pride ‘showing your place’ to visitors creates. However they require not only funds to be developed, but significant maintenance support. In addition, local businesses and communities need to proactively develop, manage and promote the Trails to their markets. Successful tourism does not simply happen – it must be planned for and managed for the long term."

"they develop stronger, healthier, more active communities.......socially, economically and environmentally the concept was given the thumbs up in a recent report in the USA looking into the benefits for communities of having rail trails for biking, walking and jogging" (Australian Geographic April-June 2004, p75) Furthermore, rail trails are appealing for young and old, fit and not so fit.

Similarly, the Otago Rail Trail in New Zealand demonstrated major and significant positive economic impacts to local business. One quarter of businesses interviewed stated that they had set-up since 2001 due to the Rail Trail. 68% of businesses stated that 20% of their income was directly related to the Rail Trail. The results are simply stunning and the trail should be viewed at http://www.atoz-nz.com/railtrail.asp

Recently, a report from Victoria suggested that Rail Trail users spend $250.- per day. This suggests that people come for the weekend as other statistics have found that day triper cycle tourists spend $51.- per day, mainly on food.

Australian Outdoor magazine (March/April 2007; p66) rated The Upper Blue Mountains as one of the top 10 destinations for outdoors recreational activity in Australasia!

In response to an article appearing in The Australian Financial review on Carbon Trading and Tourism by The Hon Fran Bailey MP, I wrote to the minister specifically asking about the role of Rail Trails in ecologically responsible tourism

BLUE MOUNTAINS A SPECTACULAR TOURISM ASSET
Australia’s Blue Mountains region is a spectacular tourism asset for Australia, the Minister for Small Business and Tourism, Fran Bailey, said last night.

Officially launching the traditionally busy winter season at the Blue Mountains Winter Ball, Fran Bailey said the potential for tourism in the Blue Mountains is enormous.

“Located just 90 minutes from Sydney, the spectacular National Parks, unique natural attractions such as the Jenolan Caves and Three Sisters, and the charm of the main townships Katoomba and Leura, all combine to create an extremely strong offer for both domestic and international visitors.

“The Blue Mountains Yulefest celebrations are famous throughout Australia, and represent an outstanding example of finding a gap in the market and developing a unique event to fit.

“Regional tourism growth is a major focus for the Australian Government. The $8 million national domestic marketing campaign included cycling in the Blue Mountains, while $20 million was confirmed in the 2005-06 Budget for 11 new regional tourism projects.

“The Australian Tourism Development Program (ATDP), which seeks to increase dispersal throughout Australia’s regions, also gained an additional $7.5 million. Applications for the second round of ATDP funding close on 15 June 2005.”

The 2008 Big NSW Bike Ride was supposed to have commenced in Katoomba and will attract two thousand cyclists. Considering the average spending of a cyclist is around $256 then Blue Mountains tourism has only missed out on $512 000 !!!! Luckily, for Lithgow, the ride will now commence there as it is much safer to ride from Lithgow than from Katoomba.

Did you know that in 2007, cyclists contributed $7.3million to the Rotarua economy. This figure doesn't include people who have moved there due to cycling lifestyle reasons. The small town of Forrest in Victoria has over 32km of MTB tracks and attracts several thousand visitors every year (Biking, Feb2008, pp50-4). These tracks were developed with Victorian Government support.

Funding

Development of community partners for on-going functioning of the trail

Obvious community partners would be those who wish to offset their carbon emissions as well as Blue Mountains Tourism.

Recuperation of costs

The original constructions of Rail Trails, in various places around the world, were undertaken during major recession. Both the State Government of Victoria and the Provincial Government of Quebec were bankrupt when construction was commenced. This leap of faith was based on feasibility studies which suggested major economic, health and social returns on such an investment. In 2007, NSW is facing both moral and economic bankruptcy through major road projects instigated by previous leadership. Furthermore, Australia is in the grip of serious drought which is eroding the confidence and independence of country communities. Now is the time to make major investments into Rail Trails in NSW. All other states have, so it would seem ludicrous if NSW doesn't.

The cost of construction and maintenance of the Rail Trail would be recouped through higher employment and hence personal taxes, business tax, increased stamp duty on the sale of real estate and increased council rates as a result of increased land value, as well as GST. In Quebec, Canada, further recuperation of costs occurred through the production of pamphlets with maps of the cycle route on one page and advertising of accommodation, restaurants, etc on the opposite page.

- 4 days over Easter 2006 generated over $2.3 million in tourist revenue in Victoria

- on this figure alone my estimate of return on investment through 10%GST, personal tax (21.6 F/t jobs) and 30% Business Tax is in the vicinity of $250 000 - $400 000 in just 4 days!

- Route Verte in Quebec enjoys $95 million of economic spin offs per annum for an initial $7.5 million investment. This includes the generation of 2000 jobs and revenues of $CAD15.1 million for the Government of Quebec and $CAD11.9 million for the Government of Canada.

Early in 2007, NSW agreed in principal to Carbon Trading. It would be expected that Rail Trails could gain Carbon Sink credits. An obvious example of an industry requiring Carbon Credits would be Wallarawang Power Station in Lithgow.

Did you know that only 15% of the American population does an amount of exercise considered to be a minimum for good health?

Postcode 2780:
13,700 people have diabetes, average age of people with diabetes is 39.

Postcode 2782:
5,390 people have diabetes, average age of people with diabetes is 42.

Postcode 2785:
4,223 people have diabetes, average age of people with diabetes is 41.

Postcode 2786:
1,082 people have diabetes, average age of people with diabetes is 38.

These figures seem rather large and may need independent verification. However, the AusDiab report, Diabesity & Associated Disorders in Australia 2000, presents the main findings based on data collected from a stratified sample of 11,247 Australians aged 25 years or over, residing in 42 randomly selected urban and non-urban areas of Australia.

- For every known case of diabetes, there was one undiagnosed case
- About 940,000 Australians over the age of 25 years have diabetes
- The number of people with diabetes has trebled since a broadly-based blood survey was undertaken in 1981
- Almost one in four Australians aged 25 years and over has diabetes or a condition of impaired glucose metabolism. Impaired glucose metabolism is associated with a substantially increased immediate risk of heart disease as well as an increased risk of diabetes in the future.

Interestingly, the 2006 Pollie Pedal charity bike ride, which included the Federal Minister for Health Tony Abbott, has raised more than $300,000 for diabetes research at the Westmead Millennium Institute at Westmead Hospital.

Importantly, the effects of overweight and sarcopenia (muscle wasting) can be overcome with regular exercise. It has been demonstrated that resistance based endurance exercise every 72 hours can reduce the risk of contracted Sydnrom X, as well as improve insulin sensitivity in otherwise glucose intolerant diabetes (see below).

Regular exercise which is enjoyable and convenient is more likely to become a routine commitment. Cycling offers the great opportunity for graded physical activity. Moreover, when increased weight, or osteo-arthritis is involved then a non-weight bearing form of exercise is likely to gain acceptance by the general population. Furthermore, the grade of a Railway line obviates the need to negotiate steep inclines, which could also prove a disincentive to cycling.

Regular exercise, every 72 hours, not only reduces the risk or severity of diabetes, it also is essential in combating sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is muscle wasting associated with sedentary lifestyles and commences in the 4th decade of life. Muscle protein is an important source of amino acids for our immune system. Muscle protein also acts as a sink for several hormones, including insulin. The loss of muscle bulk, therefore not only reduces mobility and independence, but furthermore increases the risk of diabetes as well as succumbing to immune related diseases.

"The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimated 129.6 million Americans, or 64 percent, are overweight or obese, which has been shown to increase the risk for developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some forms of cancer, and other disabling medical conditions. And according to the 2001 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity, the total direct and indirect costs, including medical costs and lost productivity, were estimated at $117 billion nationally for 2000".

Fortunately, the human toll and the economic costs of inactivity are avoidable. The Surgeon General recommends moderate physical activity -- 30 minutes a day, five days a week -- to combat the threat of diseases including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, certain forms of cancer and depression. With the Surgeon General and HHS, the White House recognizes the need for physical activity and in June launched the "Healthier U.S. Initiative" (PDF) fitness campaign designed to educate and inspire Americans to be active. Trails figure prominently in the fight against obesity and inactivity. The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC) trumpets the positive impact trails can have on the overall health of their users. Click here to check out "Promoting Physical Activity Through Trails," a valuable resource for trail information from the CDC.

Rail-trails provide ideal settings for enjoyable recreation and regular exercise like walking the dog, commuting to work, walking to town and biking to school. Individuals must choose to exercise, but communities can make that choice easier by providing attractive and safe networks of sidewalks, bikeways and trails for people to use."

The proposed Rail Trail would provide cycling access to 3 schools and TAFE at Wentworth Falls, 2 schools at Leura, 3 schools at Katoomba and 2 schools at Blackheath. This is in line with initiatives by Sydney West Area Health Service and BMCC.

"The Bike to School program can only work with the support of local communities, schools, students, parents and caregivers. We must work together to provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles" said Bike to School Program Officer Dave Logan.
"By providing the opportunity to be more physically active through safe cycling the Bike to School Program is contributing towards the prevention of chronic disease associated with lack of physical activity, overweight and obesity, particularly childhood obesity" said Mr Logan.

Similar initiatives are being developed in Melbourne, with the Victorian Government announcing funding of $4 million over 4 years with the aim of having 500 schools and 34,000 regular new riders by the end of 2010. It is also noteworthy that Melbourne has 1300km of bicycle pathways as well as 450km of Rail Trails. NSW has next to none!!!

The proposed Rail Trail between Mt Victoria and Wentworth falls would provide an important 'missing link' to current and future Rail Trails and cycling trails

Click on various 'hot spot' links on the above diagram for more details

BMCC working paper on outdoor recreation (pp7-11 pertain to cycling)

The concept of the Upper Blue Mountains Trail beside Rail as an essential link to a long distance cycle touring route and it's benefits to tourism has credibility and currency. A similar comparative study could be undertaken of the 900km Munda Biddi MTB/walking trail from Mundaring to Albany in Western Australia. 5000 maps were sold in the first few months and in 2006 an estimated 4000 people have used the track since 2002. Please view : http://www.mundabiddi.org.au/cycle_tourism/images/cthires.pdf and ecomomic impact of cycle tourism fact sheet : Economic Impact of Cycle Tourism

Heritage

The Rail Trail from Mt Victoria to Wentworth Falls holds significant national cultural heritage interest. The area has significant aboriginal history as it was a trading region for 3 tribes (Gundungurra, Dharug, Wiradjuri).

http://www.gundungurra.net.au/gundungurra.htm

The death of Pemulwuy and his fellow guerillas, allowed the first Europeans to safely cross the Blue Mountains.

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/talks/perspective/stories/s706273.htm

From a European historical perspective the history of the Blue Mountains demonstrates the pioneering spirit of mining, timber cutting and the building of roads and railways to connect Sydney with the gold and agricultural boom towns of the west. The route taken by Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth is similar to that of the proposed Rail Trail.

http://www.infobluemountains.net.au/rail/Default.htm - historical information on Rail and Tram lines

Geologically, the Blue Mountains represent a unique sandstone environment with steep spurs and gullies transecting altitudes from a few hundred meters above sea level to over 1200m. This creates diversity in fauna and flora. The panoramic views from the Rail Trail across the Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys would be awe inspiring.

Global warming

Cycling as a commuting pursuit can provide a viable transportation alternative thereby aiding in the reduction of green house gases produced by cars. The NSW government until recently had shown it's commitment to commuter cycling with the construction of the Lane Cove tunnel and it's concomitant dedicated cycling path which links the City and Harbour bridge with the North West and West of Sydney. Although many motorists are complaining about the cost of the enhanced PPP (private public partnership) motoring trip to and from the city, cyclists can rejoice in the construction of a cycle path where government money is lacking. Unfortunately, the NSW Government, prior to the election in 2007 delayed road closures at a cost of $25 million. Furthermore, they approved the upgrade of the M2 motorway to 3 lanes, thereby removing the cycling facility, forcing bikes to use a more circuitous route. The irony is that the Lane Cove Tunnel is only 2 lanes in each direction. Pure common sense would indicate that more lanes in one section will only create traffic jams due to bottle necks in other sections.

Stationary cars expel 13 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in Australian cities per year

jusque ici tu va bien, jusque ici tu va bien............

In the film "La Haine" it opens citing the man who jumps from the top floor of a high rise building, where at each floor he states "jusque ici tu va bien" - till now all is going well!

"We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late.
"Procrastination is still the thief of time. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. The tide in the affairs of men does not remain at flood - it ebbs. We may cry out desperately for time to pause in her passage, but time is adamant to every plea and rushes on. Over the bleached bones and jumbled residues of numerous civilizations are written the pathetic words 'Too late'. There is an invisible book of life that faithfully records our vigilance in our neglect. Omar Khayyam is right: 'The moving finger writes and having writ moves on' ".

If everyone who lives within 5 miles of their workplace were to cycle to work just one day a week and left the car at home, nearly 5 million tons of global warming pollution would be saved every year, the equivalent of taking about a million cars off the road.

According to the National Cycling Strategy 42% of car trips taken in Sydney in 2002 were within 5km

This article appeared in a late October 2006 edition of the St George-Sutherland Leader Newspaper. Importantly, it reflects the strong representation by the local Member. Alas, The Right Honorable Bob Debus was presented with a 1000 signature petition in 2001, which the transport minister (Carl Scully) responded to, by suggesting that families should go and play on the highway instead. It will be interesting to ascertain the current views of the State Government on Rail Trails versus National Highways for recreational and commuter cycling in the Blue Mountains. Moreover, since Global Warming and National Obesity are also Federal issues it would seem prudent for The Right Honorable Kerry Bartlett (chief government whip) to represent the Howard Government's view on sponsoring Rail Trails. However, it is highly unlikely that Federal Liberal will provide support for the construction of Rail Trails as a partial solution to Global Warming when one considers that the Howard government was in denial of the existence of Global Warming even as late as October 2006. A week is a long time in politics - since writing the previous sentence the Federal Treasurer today (12/11/2006) called on Australia to engage in carbon emissions trading! Whilst speculative, this theoretically could mean that a coal colliery and power station may fund the construction of Rail Trail and Greenways Projects as part of a carbon Trading Scheme??? In the meantime, Blue Mountains City Council, whilst amenable to the concept of an Upper Mountains Rail Trail, wonders where the money will come from!!!

Exhaust fumes from cars mainly contain nitrogen, water vapour and carbon dioxide – all of which count as the main causes of the greenhouse effect. In addition a whole range of other substances that vary in the amount of harm they do are also emitted. Today road traffic is responsible for contributing 4.4 billion tons of CO2-equivalent to the global greenhouse effect and this is expected to rise to 10 billion tons of CO2-equivalent by the year 2030. According to researchers at the German UPI (Institute for Environmental Prognoses), if this scenario becomes reality, it will no longer be possible to prevent a global climatic disaster.

Such calculations suggest that ongoing maintenance costs could be covered through an emissions trading scheme as well as public health funds.

In December 2006 I sent letters and emails to Bob Debus (Federal Labor candidate), Phil Koperberg (NSW Labor candidate), Rachel Engdahl (Federal Greens), Pippa McInnes (NSW Greens), Michael Paag (NSW Liberals) for their comments on this proposal which I will publish on this site. In January 2007, Michael Paag stated that he would approach ARTC (Rail Corp) if elected. The Honorable Lee Rhianon of the NSW Greens stated that she would look into initiation of funding for a feasibility staudy. The Right Honorable Kerry Bartlett, Deputy Lord Mayor Terri Hamilton, Lord Mayor Jim Angel and the Deputy Premier John Watkins have all stated that they will seriously examine the issue.

the Cost : Benefit ratio to health, the economy and the environment are obvious

Green Bob can't seem to escape Rail Trail proposals! Even his Green Safe Haven Initiative appeared on the front page of the Weekend Sydney Morning Herald with a huge picture of the proposed Monaro Rail Trail! His initiative is a seriously good initiative and he has done a lot for Green issues, hopefully he will soon come around on the Upper Blue Mountains Rail Trail proposal.

It should be noted that I have no financial interest in any way with the future construction of this proposed Rail Trail. I am simply a family man who has a vested interest in healthy pursuits for my friends and family. I also feel a sense of duty to the close to 1000 people who signed my petition in 2000 - 2001. Finally, these pages receive around 2000 hits per month!

Funding and Cost Assessments by the Queensland Government

Australian Rail Track Corporation (formerly Rail Corp)

"If you build it they will come"

Funding

Development of community partners for on-going functioning of the trail

Recuperation of costs

The proposed Rail Trail between Mt Victoria and Wentworth falls would provide an important 'missing link' to current and future Rail Trails and cycling trails

Click on various 'hot spot' links on the above diagram for more details

Heritage

Global warming

jusque ici tu va bien, jusque ici tu va bien............

Rail Trail Establishment Guidelines - with extremely useful links at the conclusion of the document

Cycling and health (inlcuding references)

Surgeon General report on Exercise and Metabolic syndrome

"Healthier U.S. Initiative" (PDF)

Australian Bicycle Council website for engineers

Planning guidelines for walking and cycling for community activists

Info Blue Mountains Cycling for tourists

Rail Trail brochure (Liverpool - Parramatta)

Blue Mountains Gazette - have your say on the proposal

Canadian government report on economic benefits of Rail Trails (PDF version)

Internal Links used on this site

Word Document of proposal (February 2007)

PDF Document of proposal (February 2007)

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Pro Cure Physiotherapy Pty Ltd t/a Back in Business Physiotherapy supports affirmative action against Global Warming