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To: NSW and Australian Government

Show your support to complete and connect the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Complete the Rail Trail and connect our Northern Rivers communities.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is more than a path; it's a living thread that unites our community, fosters regional tourism, and provides a sustainable and healthy mode of travel. The Tweed and Richmond sections of the rail trail have proven to be a resounding success, bringing visitors from near and far, boosting the economy and local businesses, and offering a safe and scenic route for residents to enjoy. 

Key timings

  • Since 2012 a community led volunteer group the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Incorporated/Supporters have led a regional vision and advocated to see the disused North Coast Railway Line from Casino to Murwillumbah turn into a 132 km rail trail.
  • In March 2023 this became a reality as the Tweed Shire Council 24k m section opened
  • In March 2024 Richmond Valley Council opened 13 km section
  • Stage one of Lismore City Council’s section under construction, due to open December 2024.

Key benefits already realised:

  • The economic impact of the Tweed section alone has been $3.7 million in its first 12 months of operation.
  • More than 140,000 people enjoyed the rail trail during this period.
  • An impressive 98% satisfaction rate from trail users showcases the immense value to our communities.

The core objective of this project is social connection—linking Northern Rivers communities and fostering active, healthy lifestyles. It’s not just about recreation; the trail serves as a crucial commuter corridor, promoting physical activity while reducing environmental impact.

In addition, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail enhances regional development and tourism. By investing in this project, we disperse visitors across the region, where they can immerse themselves in nature, support local businesses, and experience the best of what our region has to offer as they taste, stay, move, and enjoy their way along the trail.

We urge you to prioritise the completion of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, ensuring that our region thrives socially, economically, and sustainably for years to come.

Why is this important?

We still have work to do to connect and complete the existing gaps and unfunded sections of the rail trail to fully realise the benefits of the region. By completing the rail trail, we can close this gap and unlock the trail's true potential, creating a continuous, accessible pathway that will connect our Northern Rivers communities and be one of the best rail trail experiences in Australia. 

There is overwhelming evidence of the social, economic, and health benefits of comprehensive trail systems. The opened sections have already shown how a well-connected trail can enhance our region's appeal, stimulate economic activity, and promote a healthier lifestyle for people of all ages and abilities. 

We kindly ask for your support in this endeavor. Together, we can make this vision a reality and contribute to a brighter, healthier future for all.  

By adding your voice to this cause you are helping us to prove that our community values sustainable development and spaces that enhance our quality of life. Please sign to show your support to complete the rail trail and connect our Northern Rivers community. 
Northern Rivers, NSW, Australia

Maps © Stamen; Data © OSM and contributors, ODbL

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Updates

2024-12-16 11:35:37 +1100

The Lismore to Bentley section officially opened on December 14, 2024 extending the southern section to a total of 29.7 km that now runs from Casino to Lismore.

Read more about the full Casino to Lismore section here:
https://www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/plan/casino-to-lismore-section

2024-10-02 12:31:42 +1000

For more information on construction and timelines: https://www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/about/project-construction-partners/construction-timelines

2024-09-19 15:51:09 +1000

The Casino to Bentley section of the Rail Trail opened in March 2024 also, with amazing success.
The Joint Organisation of Councils has submitted a grant for Lismore to Bexhill, Mullumbimby to Wooyung bridge and from the industrial centre in Bangalow to the sports ground.

2024-09-19 15:45:52 +1000

Byron Shire Council is now on board with the Rail Trail

2024-09-19 15:44:41 +1000

The Tweed section of the Rail Trail opened in March 2023. It has been incredibly successful, with over 140, 000 users in the first year. It runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and onto Wooyung bridge which is the border with Byron Council.

2018-03-01 12:02:20 +1100

We now have the funding for the first stage of the rail trail, from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek - a total of 24 kms.

2017-06-19 07:52:00 +1000

Dear Friends,

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Project is moving forward! We have an opportunity to apply for a government grant of $300 million, but need your help to make it a good submission.

We would like to do a detailed plan of the corridor between Casino and Eltham which would involve employing an engineering company. If we have this plan, our submission will be considered more favourably.

We have reached the half way mark and already have $35000 but the next 2 weeks is crucial..

Please to your bit for the trail by supporting this crowd funding and help get this community path up and running!

https://chuffed.org/project/the-northern-rivers-rail-trail-a-community-trail

www.northernriversrailtrail.org.au

2015-07-06 16:42:36 +1000

5,000 signatures reached

2013-06-19 15:37:54 +1000

1000 signatures reached