When a path is not a path

Is the path that magically appeared alongside Lismore Road near Paddy’s Creek the beginning of our project to put a shared path between Rifle Range Road and town? Sadly, no it isn’t. The path has been put there to provide access to Transport for NSW vehicles to conduct maintenance work at Paddys Creek, with the aim of improving erosion control and drainage. But seeing the path there excited so many people – this is what a path would look like!

The fate of our shared path project took a turn for the worse during April. In order to progress the grant Council received to design the path, Council staff needed to seek permission from UGL, the company that manages the rail corridor throughout NSW on behalf of the NSW Government. UGL refused permission – on the basis that Byron Shire

Council cannot arrive at a consistent position on the use/s of the rail corridor. UGL insisted that the path be at least three metres from the track, and cannot go under the bridge at Granuaille Road. UGL’s position makes our shared path design impossible. Cr Asren Pugh, passionate about the project because he lives here and knows what it would mean to the community, moved a motion at the April Council meeting asking Council to make a firm decision about the line west of Bangalow Station – that it be used for a rail trail only. The hope was that a resolution would allay UGL’s doubts about Council, and the project design could proceed. But the motion failed, for two reasons. Some new councillors are wedded to the possibility of a train to Lismore (an argument that has never been put in the five years that this project has been ‘on the books’). Other councillors requested a postponement to the June 22 meeting as reports (requested by Cr Pugh) will be tabled about the line west of Bangalow to Binna Burra, reports which may inform the decision.

This is all despite the fact that in May 2021 Council resolved unanimously the following motion:

Resolved that Council:

1. Supports further investigation of design options for a shared path from Rifle Range Road to Bangalow utilising the rail corridor, west of Bangalow Railway Station.

2. Supports staff to commence discussions with the Bangalow Showgrounds Committee regarding the possible position and placement of a shared path through the showgrounds.

3. Supports an application to TfNSW and John Holland for the construction of a shared path within the rail corridor and along the rail line west of Bangalow Railway Station.

Moved by Lyon/Cameron

“The never ending debate about how to use the rail corridor is now costing the Bangalow community real projects that would make it safe for kids to ride to school. It is time for council to make a decision and support projects like this community designed walking and riding path” says Cr Pugh.

Meanwhile our grant was due to expire on June 30. Thankfully Council has negotiated an extension to the grant. Mayor Michael Lyon and Cr Asren Pugh will enter into discussion with UGL. Now we just need Council to make a clear decision about the rail corridor.

Jenny Bird