Plea for rail trail funding

SUPPORTERS of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail are being urged to contact the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain to fast-track funding for the Byron Shire section of the project.

Lismore City Council and Byron Shire Council applied for $38 million through the federal government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program in August 2024.

The outcome of the grant application was originally due to be announced in November 2024. When no announcement was made, there was widespread speculation the decision would be delayed until the federal election campaign in early 2025.

Rail trail advocate David Michie said McBain announced 15 successful projects totalling $67 million in August, but none were located in northern NSW.

Funded projects included $20 million for the University of Newcastle’s Future Industries Facility at Callaghan, almost $17 million for Newcastle City Council’s East End Cathedral Park Precinct, and $14 million for Cessnock City Council’s Apex Park Cultural History and Business Gateway Precinct.

The first 24km section of the rail trail, from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, opened in March 2023 and saw nearly 150,000 users in the first year.

A second section, from Casino to Bentley, opened a year later, before being extended by 30km to South Lismore.

Michie said the Byron Shire section was the missing link and urged supporters to email McBain to show community support.

The Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program supports investment based on the principles of unifying regional places, growing economies and serving communities.

At its December meeting, Byron Shire council resolved to apply for funding for paths at Raftons Road and Market Street in Bangalow under Transport for NSW’s Get Active Grants Program. It deferred applications for the design of the Mullumbimby to Byron Bay section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in the next round of funding.