Rail Trail upgrades accessibility for all

THE Northern Rivers Rail Trail has unveiled the latest upgrades to support people of all ages and abilities.

At the trailhead, improvements include a new accessible parking bay with improved pedestrian crossings, a southern entry platform cut-through providing another accessible entry, a smoother, step-free path to Prospero Street, new bike racks, and a fully accessible public toilet at ground level.

NRRT is also improving its digital accessibility by adding tools to adjust contrast settings, fonts designed to be easier for people with dyslexia to read, and site adjustments to meet individual needs.

Trail-wide changes in response to visitor feedback along the 24 km Tweed section include accessible and safe bench seats and picnic tables, and new seating at Murwillumbah Railway Station.

Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) regional lead, Dean Cooper, said the Rail Trail was for everyone.

“These upgrades help more people of all ages and abilities enjoy the freedom, connection and wellbeing the trail offers. Accessibility is central to our vision,” Cooper said.

State Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the trail had fast become one of the region’s premier attractions and commended the council and the NRRT on the improvements.

“It’s important that as many people as possible can enjoy the adventure experiences it offers,” Saffin said.

“I note that the Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee has endorsed these very practical measures.”

The Tweed Equal Access Advisory Committee endorsed the NRRT’s commitment to inclusion for all visitors and stated it was proud to endorse and support the new measures.

“We commend Tweed Shire Council’s staff who have put an enormous effort into thinking through and building more accessible experiences,” the membership said in a statement.

The Australian and NSW Governments jointly funded works under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements through the $70 million Community Assets Program, part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package.

For information, visit northernriversrailtrail.com.au/about-northern-rivers-rail-trail/users-and-usage/access-for-all