Communities from Casino to Murwillumbah are set to benefit from a rail trail that will attract thousands of visitors a year and create much-needed jobs and investment for the Northern Rivers.

• Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trailers For Sale
• Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trails
• Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trail Map
• Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trailer

Acting Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said work will soon get underway on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail project, after legislation was passed to close two sections of the disused rail corridor.

“The NSW Nationals in the state government are contributing $7.8 million to develop the Tweed stage of the project into a scenic walking and cycling trail, which will help to grow local economies along the rail corridor, increase job opportunities, and provide a safe, accessible transport option for tourists and locals,” Mr Toole said.

“This project will support 200 direct and indirect jobs and once completed, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is expected to attract more than 82,000 visitors annually, injecting much-needed cash flow into local cafes, shops and restaurants.”

NSW Nationals Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the Rail Trail will preserve the unique heritage value of the rail corridor itself, as well as providing an alternative transport route that connects smaller rural communities to major city centres in the Northern Rivers.

Closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Service ii Report 10 – November 2004 New South Wales Parliamentary Library cataloguing-in-publication data: New South Wales. Leg islative Council. General Purpose Standing Committee No. 4 Inquiry into the closure of the Casino to Murwillumbah rail service: report / General Purpose Standing. The plan includes design concepts for four rail trail “precincts”, which include the Old Casino Station trail head in Casino, a nearby precinct adjacent to the Primex site in Casino, the Naughtons Gap tunnel and a Bentley precinct at the northern end of the 13.4km trail section. Some include the Murray to Mountains trail, which was developed over 10 years ago, and was achieved through an integrated approach from the public and private sector. In more recent times the Queenstown Trail in New Zealand opened in 2012. The Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Trail proposal is based on these Rail Trails.

“We’ve seen the success of NSW’s pilot rail trail project from Tumbarumba to Rosewood which has delivered a vibrant revitalised area with massive tourism and recreation benefits, and we want to see this replicated in the Northern Rivers Rail Trail,” Mr Provest said.

NSW Nationals Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said making regional communities an even better place to live is a major priority for the NSW Nationals in the state government and this project is just one of the great lifestyle options being rolled out.

”The Rail Trail will be a great asset for people living in the area as well as those travelling through the region,” Mr Gulaptis said.

The project is to be completed in stages, with Tweed Council leading the first stage which will redevelop 24 kilometres of track from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, and Richmond Valley Council leading stage two linking 13 kilometres from Casino to Bentley.

The final stage is intended to link approximately 90 kilometres from Bentley to Crabbes Creek and is still in the early stages of development. The community will be consulted on opportunities for complementary public transport and cycling activities in this section of the corridor.

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To:Hon Michael McCormack MP, Deputy Prime Minister

Dear Minister,
Please support the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Inc. campaign to convert the disused railway corridor in the Northern Rivers Region between Casino and Murwillumbah, into a multi-use Rail Trail. It could be used by cyclists, walkers, horse riders as well as by small, electric vehicles in some areas. Many successful precedents have been set in neighbouring states and overseas Rail Trails have proven to be a major benefit to local communities providing infrastructure for health, recreation and connection. As a visitor attraction in itself, it also provides a backbone for a network of visitor products and services which stimulates much needed economic development and jobs to the region. The corridor is deteriorating quickly and becoming inaccessible, which is seen as a great loss of potential for many of us in the area.

Why is this important?

It is important to preserve the rail corridor as a community asset for any potential future commuter use such as solar/electric commuter vehicles, light rail, mono rail etc.
A rail trail will create a beautiful pathway between Casino and Murwillumbah, winding through world heritage areas and some of the most scenic country in Australia.
It will create numerous, sustainable jobs, new businesses can be created and existing businesses have the opportunity to grow.
The Northern Rivers Region attracts thousands of visitors a year and a rail trail would encourage healthy, outdoor activities into the smaller towns and villages of the area. Rail Trail surveys show that they attract higher yield and longer staying visitors.
The rail corridor could be turned into a place of beauty. It would create a wildlife corridor; noxious weeds could be removed and replaced by the planting of native shrubs and trees.
It will encourage sustainable transport, reducing the number of cars on the road and the need for more car parking spaces in the busy towns.
Locals will be able to use the rail trail to link up with neighbouring towns, without using their cars and children will be able to ride to school safely.
To do nothing would be a huge loss for the region.

Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trailers For Sale

Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trails

Reasons for signing

• This is a fantastic community asset.

• This could rival anything in Australia or the world. What a fantastic benefit for the community, tourism, health and the environment!

• A great tourist booster for the local communities - boosting tourism in a very environmental friendly activity.

Updates

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

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.

Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trail Map

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!

5,000 signatures reached

Casino To Murwillumbah Rail Trailer

1000 signatures reached