Lismore to Bentley update
Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is moving ahead.
This section is almost completed! We are awaiting the completion of Back Creek Bridge which is on the border of Lismore and Richmond Valley. We are hoping this section will open before the end of the year.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail continues to be a key driver of visitation to both the Tweed and Richmond Valley sections.
Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Cycling without age
Cycling Without Age is proving to be a great success in Burringabar. Free rides to seniors and people with disability or mobility issues on comfortable trishaws. Location Masterson Park, Burringbar on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. To book, email burringbartrishawbookings@gmail.com
News from Byron Shire
Congratulationst to Sarah Ndiare who is the new Mayor of the Byron Shire.
Sarah and her team are supportive of the rail trail but would like to explore the possibility of a train and a rail trail between Byron and Mullumbimby.
Planning and approvals to implement the rail trail
The decision to move forward with planning and approvals to implement the rail trail came at the 24 August 2023 meeting.
Council also resolved to seek a lease over as much of the corridor as possible to help:
- Ensure the corridor remains in public hands.
- Enable investigation of options for diverse housing within the corridor.
- Enable the activation of unused space, infrastructure and buildings for community use.
- Allow council to receive income for trail maintenance.
- Allow environmental rehabilitation, including wildlife corridors.
- Other options for public transport.
Council reiterates ongoing support for multi-use of the rail corridor between Byron Bay and Mullumbimby.
The business case focuses on the development of the Lismore to Crabbes Creek section, along with the potential for a ‘Bangalow to Ballina Link’. It also discusses the pros and cons of ‘On-Formation’ and ‘Off-Formation’ in certain sections of the rail trail.
Funding
Lismore and Byron Councils have submitted a grant application to The Australian Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program for the following on-formation rail trail sections:
- Lismore to Bexhill.
- Bangalow Industrial Estate to Bangalow Showgrounds
- Mullumbimby to Crabbes Creek.
E-bikes and petrol-powered bicycles
You can use bicycles that meet the requirements for permitted e-bikes on public roads and road-related areas.
Petrol-powered bicycles and other powered bicycles that don’t meet the e-bike requirements are illegal.
You can only use these bikes on private property.
What are the e-bike requirements?
There are two types of permitted e-bikes:
- Power-assisted pedal cycles
- Electrically power-assisted cycles.
The rider must primarily propel these bikes – a motor can’t be the only source propelling it. The motor should only help the rider, like when going uphill or facing strong winds.
It is illegal to ride at above 25kms per hour.
ILLEGAL BIKES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON THE RAIL TRAIL!
For the community
We cannot begin to describe how fantastic it is to see and experience 2 sections of the Trail come to life, after more than 11 years of campaigning for this community asset. And what a community it is, that has well and truly turned out, in all manner of ages and abilities to enjoy it!
Help us campaign to complete all 130km of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail just by:
Finding our information stall at the Byron Bay Markets, we’re always up for a chat.
Following us on Facebook or Instagram and check out all the incredible photos, videos, comments and up to date news on the trail.
Visiting the Tweed and the Casino to Bentley section. Walk, meander, run, cycle, drop in at a local business. Bring friends and have a great few hours out experiencing everything the trail has to offer!
Attend Council Meetings when appropriate.
(Further information to come, follow here or on Facebook for updates.)
Donations to this community project are gratefully welcomed and will be used to forward the project on. Use the Donate button on this website.
