Rail Trail on track to open late 2022 Everything but trains will run on the ‘recycled’ railway line connecting Casino with the Tweed from late 2022. by Janet Grist It’s been a long wait for those lobbying for a Northern Rivers Rail Trail but at last funding has come through to allow planning and construction to begin, with legislative changes in place to make it happen. In October 2021 Kevin Hogan MP announced the allocation of $9.9 million in funding to build the Bentley to Lismore section. Both the Tweed end and the Casino end of the Rail Trail (24km and 16km respectively) are under construction and will be accessible by late next year. When complete, the 130km Rail Trail will pass through some of the most scenic countryside in NSW, connecting Murwillumbah, Byron Bay, Bangalow, Lismore and Casino. Like rail trails elsewhere, the local version should be a drawcard for walkers, hikers, runners, cyclists and horse riders, following the old North Coast railway line. It will offer a unique way to explore the region while helping to preserve the area’s history and heritage.
Federal MP for Page, Kevin Hogan and owners Darryl Pursey and Joanna Bonaccorsi at their South Lismore business Harris Cycles.
Former Lismore City Councillor Glenys Ritchie has been lobbying for the Rail Trail for more than a decade and is active on the committee of Northern Rivers Rail Trail Inc. She has cycled on rail trails overseas and says they are beneficial for both physical and mental health and wellbeing. ‘The Rail Trail offers wonderful outdoor recreation. I’m a cyclist but not a hills person, so the Rail Trail suits me because it’s relatively flat and I know it’s achievable. It’s just nice to ride or walk, as you see things that you don’t see when you are in a car. ‘A rail trail is a nice, slow enjoyable, relaxing way of really seeing a place and meeting people. You’ll be stopping at farm gates and there will be people there to have a chat to. And you stop at the next town and spend some money and go to a coffee shop and ask them about what’s going on in their town. It’s a very social activity and you feel 30 | NorDocs
Part of the proposed rail trail at Lismore
