TEN years after it was closed by a landslide, and two years after a $2 million commitment from the NSW Government for the project, another step has been taken towards the reopening of the Bridle Track.
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But Bathurst Regional Council has warned there are still many steps to come.
Council has announced it now has ownership of a key piece of land near the Bridle Track, from a deceased estate, necessary for the road bypass near Monaghan's Bluff, where the landslide occurred in August 2010.
Mayor Bobby Bourke said while this was good news, there was still a lot of work to do before plans for the bypass could be finalised.
"This process has transferred this piece of land into council's ownership, but we still need to finalise adjoining acquisitions and obtain environmental approvals, all of which takes time," he said.
"Once the additional land is in council's ownership, more detailed route survey works can occur and we can complete the environmental and heritage assessment work that is required.
"Seeing this project completed is a high priority, and I continue to work closely with the Member for Bathurst Paul Toole on the Bridle Track project."
The NSW Government announced $2 million in funding in 2018 to go to the reopening of the Bridle Track.
The Bridle Track Action Group, formed to push for the reopening, has become increasingly frustrated about the lack of progress since.
The group took out an advertisement last year inviting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to visit and "gain a first-hand understanding of the frustration of those of us ... who see the clear commercial tourism benefits that have been lost to Bathurst, Hill End and the wider Central West".
Mr Toole said Bathurst Regional Council's compulsory acquisition comes after a year of consultation with solicitors after the owner of the land passed away without having a will in place.
He said council consulted with the solicitor dealing with the estate over 12 months, but was unable to achieve any agreement from those related to the estate.
With this, council sought the assistance of the NSW Government to be able to compulsory acquire the land, he said.
Mr Toole said the Bridle Track, which runs between Bathurst and Hill End, "is a favourite with four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, campers and anglers and is an example of how heritage tourism can benefit the region".
"Reopening the Bridle Track brings with it significant economic benefits to the region, including the village of Hill End," he said.
"The campgrounds along the route are a lure for locals and visitors alike and present a number of opportunities to bring outdoor enthusiasts to the area."
According to Bathurst Regional Council, the bypass around Monaghans Bluff will be around two kilometres.
Council said more than $200,000 in works on the Bridle Track have been conducted so far, including road widening and maintenance works on various sections.
