The 32 kilometre Richmond Vale Rail Trail  would traverse the  Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Cessnock local government areas and showcase Lower Hunter wetlands, the Coalfields and Pokolbin.

The project would run through five former rail tunnels and bridges between Hexham and Pelaw Main.

A  draft feasibility analysis, which has been distributed to stakeholders, says the project would result in a dramatic increase in visitors to the region, many of whom would stay overnight.

 ‘‘The trail offers a range of new business opportunities and the opportunity for existing businesses to extend their offerings. The trail has the potential to improve the sustainability of businesses reliant on tourism,’’ the analysis says.

An unsealed trail is estimated to cost $9.3million while a fully sealed trail would cost $13.4million. 

Green Corridor spokesman Brian Purdue said the Richmond Vale Rail Trail would further enhance the Lower Hunter’s portfolio of natural tourism assets.

‘‘We have worked very hard to get these green corridor lands into national park, but have also worked hard so the public could access them and enjoy their unquestionable beauty,’’ he said.

‘‘The rail trail is an ideal way for this to happen and will be a great tourist drawcard and I personally can hardly wait to ride on it.’’

A Newcastle City Council spokeswoman said the feasibility analysis would not be submitted to the elected council for consideration until staff had revised the report and developed a recommendation. 

‘‘Because the report is only a draft, we are not yet at a stage to have enough information about potential costs of the project to discuss possible funding options,’’ she said. 

‘‘When the study is further progressed, we will consider presenting it for grant applications. We hope to have a final draft of the feasibility study completed early next year.’’