NSW is lagging behind other states including Victoria in converting disused rail lines to rail trails, with a group — Rail Trails for NSW — formed to identify potential trails.

The state government announced $110 million in funding in last year’s budget for tourism ports, airport upgrades and creation of rail trails and Culcairn to Corowa has been identified in the top three in NSW with the most potential due to its proximity to existing trails in Victoria.

Successful projects are expected to be announced early in the new year and a new Culcairn to Corowa Rail Trail Action Group, chaired by Walla businessman Andrew Kotzur, has started a study into the trail’s viability.

When the idea was first floated five years ago it met opposition from neighbouring property owners, and the action group has committed to consulting with them as part of the study.

The 70-kilometre line between Culcairn and Corowa travels through Walla, Brocklesby and Balldale, with the former passenger service ceasing in the mid-1970s.

Even though the line hasn’t been used full-time for four decades it still needs to be officially closed by the state government before a trail can be established.

The action group also includes David Dunbar, Peter Graham, Darren Kupke, Andrew and Marion Vile, Christine Ballantine, Fred Longmire and Heather Kerr.

Corowa Council has provided in-principle support and Greater Hume wants more information before committing.

But it supports the closure of the line within its council area.

Rail Trails for NSW chairman John Moore said NSW could catch up to other states quickly with the pending funding.

“We are 20 years behind Victoria and other states,” he said.

“NSW has the advantage of learning from the other states and New Zealand to make the NSW trails some of the best in the world.”

Mr Graham said the trail had gathered support along the line.

“The idea is to have local people take ownership of the rail trail,” he said.

“It won’t be run by people just from Culcairn or Corowa.”