A RAIL trail spanning the 130km length of the Casino to Murwillumbah line could be built for only a fraction of the cost of returning the train and would pay for itself within five years, a report being released today says.
The Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Trail Study, commissioned by Ballina MP Don Page last November, while he was Minister for the North Coast, predicts it would cost $75.5m to build a rail trail along the corridor, compared to a $900m bill to return the train to the line.
To see the full report click on link HERE
Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner said he has asked Infrastructure NSW to assess the study to see whether the State Government should fund it.
The release of the report follows months of debate over the future of the line, with rail proponents arguing for commuter train services and rejecting the State Government’s report that set the $900m figure.
The study says a rail trail on the corridor would attract anywhere between 25,900 and 97,100 visitors each year. It would need at least 34,800 visitors a year to break even, but numbers would be expected to average around 88,300.
“Under this scenario, the project payback period would be approximately 4-5 years. This analysis conservatively assumes day visitors only.”
Construction would best be started at Byron Bay, with the trail extending north to Mullumbimby and west to Bangalow.
“This could provide opportunity to create a loop using existing roads to connect Mullumbimby and Bangalow.”
Failing that, the best place to start the trail might be at its start, with the study noting Tweed Shire Council was already discussing the idea of a rail trail between Murwillumbah train station and the Tweed Regional Gallery.
And while feedback on The Northern Star’s website and Facebook page, including a survey, appeared strongly weighted to returning the train, the study said its community consultation showed strong community support for a rail trail.
“Such support has been an important driver for the successful development of rail trails elsewhere.
“The potential to involve local communities and business is high and there is some potential to offset some of the operating costs through contribution from local businesses and volunteer work.
“Subject to funding, the scoping assessment has demonstrated potentially strong benefits for the community and that the project is likely to be viable.”
While not saying whether the Government would back it, Mr Stoner said it appeared a rail trail “could draw even more tourists”.
“Of all international overnight visitors to regional NSW in the year ended March 2014, nearly half visited the North Coast region,” he said.
“The NSW Liberal & Nationals Government is determined to grow the tourism industry in the Northern Rivers and North Coast more broadly.”
To see the proposed map and description of this rail trail click HERE
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Register for news updatesWe are calling on all rail trail supporters to express their support for the development of a new rail trail in NSW to a...
Some exciting news from Western Australia! Earlier this week, the WA government committed $17.5 million to completing th...
Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc (CMRT) recently received very welcome news and financial support to allow them th...
The e-bike is a great way to get more people and families using the rail trails in Australia! Bicycle Network believes e...
This week, we received the tragic news that the Mullumbimby railway station on the old Northern Rivers Railway was destr...
If you would like to be able to wheel your bike onto new NSW country trains to get to rail trails please contact the NSW...
The Feasibility Study for the Boorowa to Galong Rail Trail (BGRT) in south west NSW was completed in November 2022. The ...
The iconic Northern Rivers Rail Trail keeps rolling on! On the occasion of the opening of the Casino to Bentley stag...
As part of its ongoing advocacy work and community engagement, the Castlemaine Maryborough Rail Trail Inc. Group recentl...
The Adelaide to Port Dock railway line was constructed in 1856 to service the passenger and freight movement between the...
Early bird registrations are open until April 12 for Lake High – ‘Walk for Autism’ on April 26, 2024 for teams of ...
The official opening of the Casino to Bentley stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was held at the Old Casino Station...
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