BYRON SHIRE Mayor Simon Richardson has announced a plan to reopen the Byron Rail Trail.
Rebranding the Byron Rail Trail as “Byron Line”, Cr Richardson proposes a light rail shuttle that locals and tourists can use to get between towns, with a bike track alongside.
“This incorporates the public transport aspects of TOOT with the Northern Rivers Rail Trail rail-trail concepts,” he said.
“I see it running from Billinudgel to Bangalow and in Byron we should be able to have both.”
Cr Richardson said that ultimately there could be potentially three or four uses of the track, all of which would provide revenue, part of which would pay for a bike path alongside the corridor.
“Where the corridor’s not wide enough for both rail and bike path to coexist, the bike path can just skirt on the outskirts of the corridor and then rejoin, which actually provides a lot of extra benefit because it might give the rail trail cyclists a better view, higher on a hill, it might allow it to take it through a nature reserve, or a more beautiful site.
“This is a window of opportunity we have for our community –we can join together, we can unite over Byron Line, getting State Government support by speaking with one voice and demanding that this crucial piece of infrastructure be activated and can unite our whole community.”
Cr Richardson said Byron Line would also alleviate traffic congestion when festivals like Bluesfest and Splendour in the Grass are happening.
Awesome idea. Would love to be able to catch trains between towns & have bike path!
More public transport. Less cars on the road.
Using the railway line as a road is the only way to get local traffic off Bangalow Road. Ever tried to cross it at peak hours? It’s dangerous now, how about in ten years time?
Has anyone costed this out? Brilliant idea and SO needed in our Shire. Perhaps we could have a small tax to raise funds? Multiple fund raisers? Need to know what we are aiming for! LETS MAKE THIS HAPPEN BYRON!
Multiple community fundraisers was how we built the swimming pool, Sally… all those decades ago!
Great Concept Simon!! Let’s hope it gets across the line.
Been hoping this would work out ! Good on you, Simon, for getting everyone to the table. This will benefit everyone.
I love this idea. I always thought this was the best use of the corridor.
This will enliven all the towns from Billi to Bangers and be a great tourist magnet!!
Love it Simon!!
yeah just what the place needs more bloody tourists