ACROSS NSW dedicated people are pursuing the same goal, getting rail trails up and running.
A rail trail is the conversion of a disused railway into a versatile path, typically for walking, horse riding and bicycling.
However, current laws are crippling their efforts.
Rail Trails Australia NSW representative John O'Brien said there were at least 17 identified sections of rail line which should be used.
"NSW is the only State that doesn't have them," Mr O'Brien said.
"In every other State, townspeople use them to get from one place to another, exercising, walking, bike riding, horse riders and school kids use them to get to school."
The looming State election prompted talk of funding, but with no firm decision from the relevant politicians, nothing can start.
In Australia, apart from NSW, State governments declared their disused rail lines closed, paving the way for local government to get on with rail trail building.
In NSW, it takes an act of parliament to declare each line shut.
Victoria, which has more than 900 kilometres of rail trails, has generated significant income for regional areas by using old tracks.
The Gippsland rail trail in regional Victoria received a whopping $600,000 in funding to complete its section of a rail trail.
The Victorian government's regional development authority expected the initiative to create 27 new jobs, and provide more than $3 million a year for the local economy.
NSW Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian supported development of new trails, but ruled out following Victoria's lead to revoke current laws preventing disused lines being officially closed.
"The NSW government has made it clear proposals for rail trails should be considered on merit and a case-by-case basis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The government supports the potential use of disused rail lines as rail trails, where local communities are overwhelmingly supportive."
Mr O'Brien said NSW's current laws were the biggest hurdle to creating rail trails.
"They would be a real shot in the arm for country towns."
The range of rail trails in NSW is limited to a few short trails in the Blue Mountains and Newcastle areas that are only suitable for walking.
Minister for Regional Tourism John Barilaro recently announced up to $50 million for rail trail pilot projects during his visit to the Northern Rivers.
"This $50 million boost to the regional tourism sector will benefit local business and create jobs, while offering visitors the chance to access amazing locations currently off limits on disused rail lines," Mr Barilaro said.
While he welcomed the trial, Mr O'Brien questioned the cost.
A government-commissioned feasibility study for the 134km Northern Rivers rail trail put construction at $75m.
"We are all scratching our heads as to how that's possible," he said.
"The same amount of rail line between Tallarook to Mansfield was converted into rail trails and only cost $15 million, even though they had to build 45 bridges along that track."
Mr O'Brien has flagged that farmers with railway line going through their property may not like the idea, as it may cause issues in regards to leaving rubbish and trespassing.
"People who are interested in rail trails are either on foot, bike or horse, people that leave rubbish are generally in cars.
"It works well in every other State, they have set the bar."
‘No brainer’ on Northern Rivers
THE people of the Northern Rivers area claim it's a "no brainer" to build rail trails.
The Northern Rivers rail trail goes through the shires of Casino, Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Lismore and the Richmond Valley and stretches across 134 kilometres.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association committee member Steve Martin said the committee was established more than two years ago, and there was strong community support for the project.
"It is a no brainier, we are an established tourism area."
Mr Martin said the project would provide jobs for people in villages and opportunities to create businesses.
"In Victoria locals have set up coffee shops and eateries in old rail carriages, and even build yards suitable to tie up horses.
"You have beach areas of Byron Bay, heritage national parks and lush cattle country.
"The rail trail would preserve the corridor, if the government wanted it in the future as a railway track.
"It will re-invigorate these small towns, not only economically but it will bring people to these communities and, giving both visitors and locals a place to ride, that's safe and off road.
"They attract people and families who want to stay for a holiday, giving them a reason to stay."
Mr Martin said it's a misused asset, that's wasting away.
"I say, watch this space."
