The issue is extremely controversial in the area where it has caused significant division among locals over the benefit to the community and the usage of rail infrastructure. Those who agree with the proposal believe a rail trail running on the track formation would increase tourism and preserve the railway corridor for future use. On the other hand, rail advocates insist that it would spell complete and permanent destruction of the railway infrastructure. Consequently, this would lead to the private sale of the railway corridor and the elimination of any future possibility of train services returning to the region.