Last week’s announcement by the federal government to provide part funds for the path along the rail corridor was met with angst among train enthusiasts.

The members have since sent out correspondence urging the community to oppose the pathway.

The group’s concerns include lack of notice about the pathway to residents and the end to returning a railcar service to Angaston.

David Morcom, the council’s chief executive officer, says it’s been more than 30 years since a regular passenger service travelled on the Angaston line.

“It’s fair to say there is not a sufficient population in Angaston (2200) at this point to warrant, from an economic perspective, the return of a passenger train service to Angaston,” Mr Morcom said.

His comments flow on from the state government’s Greater Adelaide 30-year draft plan, which highlights no significant growth in Angaston.

Mr Morcom did explain that the council has always supported better access to public transport for its residents, including rail.

“The opportunity to provide a new shared use pathway between two major tourist towns in the Barossa would provide enormous benefit for locals and tourists alike.”

He said if, and when, rail returns to the Barossa, Nuriootpa - with significant further growth potential - is the obvious destination for any passenger rail.

Extensive community consultation for the past two years led to council’s recent submission to the federal government asking for financial assistance for a pathway.

While the train enthusiast group are concerned the Angaston track will be covered up, the council said no decision has been made.

Mr Morcom said: “This is not council’s decision - the line is owned by the company Genesee and Wyoming”.

More details about the path way will be revealed once the Angaston Management Group, Nuriootpa group, the council and the state government had met.

“We cannot simply adopt the ‘wait and see’ approach in anticipation of something that may never come to pass,” Mr Morcom added.