NORTHERN RIVERS Rail Trail Association (NRRT) recently met to consider Mayor Simon Richardson’s Billinudgel to Bangalow combined tourist train and bike trail proposal.
NRRT claims Cr Richardson plans to put trains back on the tracks, yet the 2015 Government sponsored Northern Rivers Rail Trail feasibility study, which considered a variety of multi-modal uses for the rail corridor, clearly shows this is unachievable.
In response, Cr Richardson explained his vote against the proposal to support a rail trail from Billinudgel to the Tweed was not based on opposition to the rail trail.
“This has already been stated publicly,” he said.
“It was due to Council being in caretaker mode and it was inappropriate to make this decision without the community being aware of all the facts of what is, by any definition, a controversial matter.”
Cr Richardson said if it had been TOOT, instead of NRRT, with a resolution before Council for support at the last meeting of Council, he would have done the same.
“I understand that it can be difficult when you’ve held a particular vision for a long time to loosen the reins and work with others towards a shared outcome. Over time I hope those still finding it hard to shift their position will also come on board.”
NRRT also asserted that the Northern Rivers Rail Trail feasibility study found that track-based uses were extremely limited due to the very poor condition of the one-way tracks and bridges. The reinstatement of a rail service requires an exorbitant level of funding.
“In contrast, the government’s feasibility study found an unbroken rail trail in the corridor (no tracks) achieved a cost-benefit ratio well above the Government threshold for public funding.”
A rail trail would keep the entire corridor in the hands of a Public Trust for the free use of locals.
Cr Richardson agreed. He said that the community wants an outcome that provides provide transport, cycling and tourist benefits
“For this reason it’s essential, when we take our proposal for funding to Government, that we speak as one voice,” he said.
“I look forward to working alongside NRRT and TOOT and the overwhelming number of community members already showing support to see if the Byron Line can happen. As soon as the election craziness ends, the hard work begins on behalf of our community to ascertain whether the two uses – track-based shuttles and a rail trail – can co-exist.”
NRRT also expressed concern that the Mayor’s proposal for a study costing between $200,000 – $300,000 to determine if a private or commercial train could operate between the Queensland border to Billinudgel and beyond, will only serve to further delay public use of the corridor.
“It is unclear who will provide the support and funding for this additional study, and members of the NRRT are alarmed by the claims made in the mayor’s speech that ‘false hope’ was better than ‘no hope’.
Chris and Tim are both so wrong. Wherever I speak/read/listen about train services, the wider community say – they want and need trains. Bikes will not get them to their destinations for either a fun or transport need. Are there plans for more road lanes on the freeway to meet the increasing road traffic. I don’t think either of these men have had to suffer that bus trip to Casino Railway Station. I asked people in Billi after Sol Ibrahim said Billinudgel wanted the bike track and that is what they have said before – trains are the answer with bikes to be able to be hired. Families on bikes along the Wooyung Rd as some Tweed Crs have said, is ridiculous; imagine families on that narrow road to Pottsville and Kingslcliffe which Cr Longland said! Jillian Spring
I’m sorry to say Jillian, that Pottsville and Kingscliff are nowhere near the old rail corridor.
That would require the establishment of a whole new rail corridor.
People of course want everything, including trains. I wanted the train to come back too, until in 2006, I realised the huge costs involved in rebuilding the now 122 year old timber bridges. Imaging leaving your timber furniture out in the weather for that long..
People just need to understand what the word “viable” means.
Tim, You know that what Cr Longland keeps pushing for – their bike track to go to Crabbes Crk, then families ride their bikes along Wooyung Rd etc to Pottsville and Kingscliff – nothing about trains going there! To think certain Crs on Byron Shire Council supported at Mullumbimby Council Meeting a couple of weeks ago, supported this unsafe, ridiculous promotion for bikes! Instead of LISTENING TO THEIR CONSTIUTENTS BUT WHO THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE!!! Jillian Spring
Hi Jillian, I’m not familiar with what you’re referring to, but I’ve ridden that route a few times. It’s a really nice and gentle ride, taking in the beautiful Wooyung valley. Very peaceful, as there’s no one out there. Maybe one car every 5 minutes.
It’s not at all unsafe.
It will be a fantastic diversion from and to the Rail Trail, just like so many valleys that lead to and from the corridor.
Simon hates Rail-Trail but will not admit this opposition to the general public. His double speak on this matter defies logic. A rail trail is the singularly greatest missed opportunity Byron has ever passed up on!
Absolutely agree.
It is shameful how a so called leader, has been so pivotal in obstructing the only viable project for our corridor, and in the process, has lost one of our greatest drawcards, and social amenities.
Just astonishing…