Rimutaka Railway proposal
In November 2011, Greater Wellington received an application from the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust proposing to rebuild the Rimutaka Railway between Maymorn, through Tunnel Gully and finishing at the Rimutaka Summit. The reinstated railway would generally follow the old railway formation, currently used as a cycle/walking track.
The Trust’s proposal is to:
- construct a heritage railway with stations at Maymorn, Kaitoke and a visitors centre at the Summit
- construct an alternative cycle/walkway (the current route follows the historic railway formation and uses the rail bridges and tunnels)
- operate a train service for paying tourists
The Trust has a long term goal of extending the railway from the Summit to Cross Creek (over the former railway where Fell engines were operated) and on to Featherston.
For more information, you can download the summary of the proposal prepared by the applicant (updated 2 December 2011) or refer to the Trust's website. Alternatively, you can request a copy of the summary from Michelle Groves 04 830 4217. The summary may be viewed on request at Greater Wellington's Wellington office, 142 Wakefield Street, Wellington.
On the 23 November 2011 the Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee heard a presentation from the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust regarding their proposal. At this meeting a number of other groups also expressed their views on the proposal.
After the meeting, Councillors agreed that more time should be given to hear the views of the public, in light of the proposal's likely impact on the park, park users and local community. This has required the decision date, on whether to allow the use of Greater Wellington land as proposed, to change from 15 December 2011 to the new date of 15 February 2012.
How to make a submission
Any person or organisation may make a written submission on the application. You can complete the online form or email your comments to info@gw.govt.nz. Alternatively, post to: Rimutaka Railway Proposal, GWRC, PO Box 11646, Manners Street, Wellington 6142.
Your submission should include your name, postal address and contact details. Submissions on the proposal will be accepted until 4pm Tuesday 31 January 2012. The Council will consider all written submissions along with an officer’s report in February 2012. No hearings are proposed.
Note: If you have already written to the Council on this issue, your comments will be considered along with the other submissions.
What is the application being assessed against?
The Parks Network Plan outlines the decision making guidelines for Council when considering whether to grant concessions, easements, leases and licences on Greater Wellington’s parks. To read further on this, refer to the Parks Network Plan (specifically Section 7.4 Restricted Activities and the park-specific managment and politicies for Pakuratahi Forest).