Community Support Survey

1. Community Support Survey Wednesday, 6 March 2019

2. 264 • Date Created: Wednesday, 6 March 2019 • Total Responses • Complete Responses: 264

3. Q1: Have you attended any of the Community Forums?

4. Q2: Do you believe the rail corridor between Monto and Many Peaks should be retained for future use with or without the line?

5. Q2: Do you believe the rail corridor between Monto and Many Peaks should be retained for future use with or without the line? Some Responses See the EXCEL Register of Responses for detailed feedback from our participants

6. Q3: Generally, for what purposes should the rail corridor be used? • Answered: 257Skipped: 7 Total Responses 652 NOTE: Applicants had the option to choose up to 3 responses

7. Q3: Generally, for what purposes should the rail corridor be used?

8. Q3: Generally, for what purposes should the rail corridor be used? See the EXCEL Register of Responses for detailed feedback from our participants

9. Q4: Should the rail line through the six (6) Many Peaks / Barrimoon tunnels near Kalpower be saved?

10. Q5: Why should the rail line through the tunnels be saved (or not)? See the EXCEL Register of Responses for detailed feedback from our participants

11. Our Heritage “The rail line is as iconic as the tunnels, it should in no ways be touched.” “It would seem sensible to have the line incorporated within the heritage listing as a total heritage package”. “Retain the Heritage value, once gone never replaced, minimum cost to Government.” “Its part of the heritage! The tunnels are just old tunnels without the rail lines. Its like keeping a heritage listed house and removing the original exterior.” “If they are uncommon form of past workmanship and ingenuity these sections should be kept for an added draw card for visitors. Preservation of old skills is important as so many have been lost but have been proven beneficial for future constructions”. “Mostly for heritage value. Too many old things are ripped up, pulled down or just discarded. In years to come people always say ‘why didn’t they keep that?”

12. Our History “Once gone it can never be replaced. History for our grandchildren”. “The tunnels and rail line are a tribute to all those people who built it with picks and shovels, men and horses” “Our forefathers gave blood, sweat and tears to create this line and it is disgusting that the stroke of a pen by various governments can take this away”. “Once gone a part of history is lost forever.” “It is unique. It was constructed under difficult conditions. It has remained in good condition since construction. People need to stay in touch with their heritage”. “Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Heritage is so important for our country and these small country towns’ sustainability, even growth through heritage tourism.” “They're a big part of our history, and they tell of the ingenuity and tenacity of our forbears”. “It’s historical significance alone should mean it stays”.

13. Our Yes Voters “Can it be done so that there is a track for cyclists along the track or beside the track? I know in NZ there are some tracks that have maintained the retails and cyclists ride between the rails”. “Why not!?” “Restore sections of the rail and implement an historic rail experience. Tourism and employment benefits as well as the community as a whole.” “I'd like to see the whole line retained”. “It just should!”

14. Our No Voters Too costly as line from Gladstone is too far gone. “Because it can be a bike route with incredible scenery and would be perfect for groups to use.” “The tunnels should be saved and opened for cyclists to use. The completed cycle trail would be a huge asset for tourism in your area. I have cycled rail trails in New Zealand and the small towns have all prospered and benefited. (Accommodation, cafes, hotels and shuttle services)”. “rail line could be a problem for cyclists and horses” “I don't think its so important to save the line but definitely the the tunnels. Historic billboards/displays can tell it was a rail tunnel.”. “It would be best to remove the rail line to make it easier and more pleasant for walkers, cyclists and riders to use. Less hazardous.” “Probably not...it would make it harder for use by walkers, cyclists and riders. Maybe maintain in one tunnel as an example”. Too much damage puts the cost above what could be created through tourism

15. Q6: How has rail corridor/tunnels impacted your family/community in the past? See the EXCEL Register of Responses for detailed feedback from our participants

16. Our Family “My Grandfather was part of the workforce that built the tunnels. We have visited there several times and promoted it to friends. All those that have visited them agree they should be retained.”

17. Personal “I worked for QR for 13 years.” “I was lucky enough to have a ride on one of the last rail trips that was put on quite a few years ago. The experience was something that I've never forgotten, and would do again and again if the opportunity was available. It's a magic part of the world”. Many years of valuable service. “Railways in general were a big part of my early years. Every town had a station and railway families. Sadly they are gone while large road-bound transport tears apart the highways and in this case the Boyne Valley roads”. “It was the life line to existence of the Boyne Valley with produce routes and the army supply line during my grandfathers life and that of my father, uncles and aunties”.

18. Q7: Do you think a Rail Trail will benefit tourism in the local region?

19. Q8: What businesses or individuals do you think might benefit?

20. Q8: What businesses or individuals do you think might benefit? See the EXCEL Register of Responses for detailed feedback from our participants

21. Q9: General Feedback See the EXCEL Register of Responses for detailed feedback from our participants

22. Q10: Our Respondents We have contact details of 245 of the 264 participants in this survey with 65% willing to provide their contact details to lobby government in support of the proposed BBIRT.