THE Monaro Rail Trail project has been given a boost with Snowy Monaro Regional Council voting to re-investigate the project’s feasibility and future delivery.

Following lengthy debate at last week’s council meeting, completing a business case for the project will be included in the operational plan for 2024-27.

Cr Narelle Davis put forward the motion, citing the need to progress the project that has already received $1 million in grant funding to construct four kilometres of trail at Bombala.

“This motion builds upon previously approved resolutions, with the objective to maintain both momentum and priority of this key economic development project, which is desperately needed by the towns and villages in the Monaro Highway corridor of our local government area,” Cr Davis said.

Her motion received support from Cr Higgins who said it’s important for council to be ‘forward-thinking’. Cr Nick Elliott agreed, saying the project is important for the economic viability of the region’s smaller towns and villages.

Councillors against the motion, believe the project will be too costly and incur maintenance costs council could not afford. Former Bombala Shire Council mayor and long-time Bombala resident, Cr Bob Stewart, urged councillors to support the motion.

“The rail trail was kicked off to support the battling communities of the Monaro. We need to give a boost to our communities, particularly Bombala and Nimmitabel,” Cr Stewart said.

Monaro Rail Trail group chair, Frank Bakker, applauded council’s support of the motion.

Mr Bakker said his organisation has been working-hard with council to progress plans, reports and supporting documentation to see a business case prepared.

“Council has already made an important start towards establishing the rail trail with construction of the first four to five kilometres section of the trail from Bombala commencing in the near future,” Mr Bakker said.