Council awards $11.8 million contract to progress design and construction of project.

The next step in the Tweed leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will move forward after Councillors voted last week to award an $11.8 million contract to one of 4 preferred tenderers.

Councillors agreed to support the recommendation of Council officers to award the contract to a complying tender bid from Hazell Bros (Qld) Pty Ltd following a rigorous tendering process. 

The decision was made in a confidential hearing following legal advice that was sought after a threat of legal action by a third party group. Opponents had called for the rail trail to be built off-formation – or alongside the existing track infrastructure.

At its meeting on 7 March 2019, Council approved 4 companies to bid for the design and construction of the Tweed Valley Rail Trail through an early tenderer involvement process.

Following extensive consideration, Council officers nominated Hazell Bros Qld as the preferred tenderer. The design will now be refined if needed and finalised, after which the community will be able to view the final rail trail design.
  
The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is the first stage to go ahead. It will include 24 km of shared-user path from the former Murwillumbah Railway Station to Crabbes Creek, terminating south of Wooyung Road.

This stage incorporates 2 tunnels (one being 517m long), 26 bridges and provides multiple vistas of the Tweed Caldera landscape.

Funding for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been provided by the Australian Government, under its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Package Fund, and the NSW Government under its Restart NSW program.
 
More details on the project are published at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/railtrail

UPDATE ON CASINO TO BENTLEY SECTION OF THE NORTHERN RIVERS RAIL TRAIL

A great bit of news received for the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trails late last week with the Minister giving approval to move into the Phase 2. This phase is for the detailed design and construction stage of the Casino to Bentley section of rail trail.

The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the Tumbarumba to Rosewood Rail Trail are terrific examples of the benefits that rail trails bring to the communities they are aligned to. Both have been big success stories, with positive economic impacts on these communities.

The rail trail will bring new “high-value” visitors to the Richmond Valley region. This will not only support local businesses but will also help to create extra employment and as has been in the case in other regions aligned to a rail trail, new business will open.

There are also positive environmental impacts with the rail trail, through weed control and landscaping that encourages native flora and fauna.

Rail trails also promote active living by providing a safe and level transport route for walking and riding. As is the nature of rail trails, this also encourages nature and environmental appreciation and awareness.
The heritage of the corridor will also be preserved. Where possible, bridges, tunnels and the Old Casino Station will be refurbished, preserving their historic value and reputation for visitors and locals to appreciate.

Lismore Section

Lismore has applied for grant funding to complete the section between Bentley and Lismore. We expect to hear the outcome October or November.
In the meantime we will be having a campaign involving Lismore supporters! 
You will receive your own newsletter in a few days to let you know what you can do to help!
Watch this space!