Section Officially Opens This Saturday

By Jeff Gibbs

The eagerly awaited Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail will officially open this Saturday, offering the community an enchanting new way to explore the region. The event promises to be a family-friendly celebration featuring live music from renowned local artist Luke Vassella from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, along with engaging activities such as pedal-powered smoothie making and trishaw rides.
A New Chapter for Regional Tourism

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg expressed excitement about the new trail section, which allows visitors and locals to ride or walk from Lismore to Casino.

“The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a game-changer for tourism across our region,” Mayor Krieg said. “It serves as a living tribute to the history of our railway, which once connected our communities. This new section is set to bring significant economic and social benefits, as we’ve already seen with the success of the Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and Casino to Bentley sections.”

Mayor Krieg highlighted the trail’s sustainable construction, which included salvaging over 1,600 tonnes of cast iron steel rail lines, and commended the Federal Government for funding the project. “Despite the challenges of COVID-induced inflation, we delivered the trail on time and within budget,” he noted.
A Visionary Project

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan, who secured $9.9 million in funding for the Lismore to Bentley section, hailed the project as a significant milestone for the 132km trail.

The Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail stakeholders, including Lismore City Councillors and staff, Hazell Bros, Willow + Sparrow and O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing.

“This trail has the potential to become a world-renowned tourist attraction,” Mr. Hogan said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to attract visitors, boost local businesses, and provide a healthy, exciting way to experience our stunning region.”
Connecting Communities

The Lismore to Bentley section spans 16.3 km, beginning at the heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station and linking to Nesbitt Park. The trail winds through rich farmland, picturesque landscapes, and historic landmarks, including 29 railway bridges, Back Creek Bridge, and Oakey Creek Bridge at Bungabbee. Key features like compacted gravel paths, asphalt and concrete entry points, and accessible rest stops ensure the trail caters to a variety of users, including walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

The new section seamlessly connects to the Richmond Valley segment, forming an almost 30 km stretch of the trail. Plans are underway to secure funding for the remaining 20.9 km from Lismore to Booyong, with the ultimate goal of completing the full 132km trail from Murwillumbah to Casino.
Celebrating Heritage and Nature

The Lismore to Bentley section preserves key railway infrastructure, such as culverts, original tracks, and distance markers, while celebrating the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers region. Along the route, six rest stops provide ideal picnic spots with shelter, seating, and breathtaking views.
Join the Celebration

The community is invited to experience the Lismore to Bentley trail and enjoy the opening day festivities. For more information on this section, visit the Lismore City Council website. To learn more about the entire Northern Rivers Rail Trail, visit the Northern Rivers Rail Trail website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a piece of history while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Northern Rivers.

Man Seriously Injured in Pacific Motorway Truck Collision

At approximately 4:30 pm on Tuesday, December 10, emergency services were called to the scene of a serious truck accident on the Pacific Motorway at Chinderah, near Kingscliff.

A large roadside sign was struck by the truck, causing significant damage and leading to severe injuries for the driver, a man in his 40s. The incident prompted an immediate response from NSW Ambulance paramedics and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, which had been tasked to the site by NSW Ambulance.

Upon arrival, paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team worked in tandem to stabilize the man, who had sustained serious leg injuries in the crash. After receiving initial treatment at the scene, he was airlifted to Gold Coast University Hospital in a serious condition.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, which caused disruptions along the busy motorway during the rescue and recovery efforts.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

The Northern Rivers Times News ED231