Success of Northern Rivers Rail Trail should encourage neighbouring councils to complete trail

By Sarah Waters

Close to 600 people a day on average use the Tweed Section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Data released by Tweed Shire Council shows more than 70,500 people have used the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) since it opened four months ago – exceeding prior expectations.

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The figures were calculated using data retrieved from counters strategically placed along the 24km length of the NRRT, which runs from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said there had been significant interest in the opening success of the NRRT.

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has attracted more than 4000 users a week since opening.

“I am really proud to confirm that since its opening on March 1, 2023, the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has welcomed approximately 70,551 people, which is an amazing achievement,” Ms Cherry said.

“Our rail trail is welcoming an average of 17,638 people per month, which is approximately 4048 people per week or an average of 578 people per day.

“The original business case for the Tweed section of the NRRT referenced goals of 27,000 people per year which is equivalent to 9000 people in the first four months.

“We have absolutely smashed that goal, attracting more than double the anticipated annual number of visitors in our first four months alone.”

Ms Cherry said the figures should provide confidence to the NRRT’s other member councils of Richmond Valley Council, Lismore City Council and Byron Shire Council who are all either committed or considering connecting to the Rail Trail for the benefit of the broader Northern Rivers community.

It has also been confirmed that 87 per cent of trail users have used an associated rail trail experience and spent money with local businesses, including cafés, accommodation providers and transport services.

Council said it would work on trail improvements to address any impacts the popularity had on the local villages.

Meanwhile, regular trail riders who want to ride past Crabbes Creek have become frustrated with Byron Shire Council’s indecision to construct their section of the railway.

One person on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Facebook page wrote: ‘Hope Byron Shire is taking notice; we’re missing out here.’

While another pointed out the opportunity to connect more rail trails in the Tweed.

“I’d love to see Tweed Shire take advantage of Byron Shire’s inaction on the rail trail.

“People want more – the demand is proven – another great trail is the Coastal Cycleway from Kingscliff to Pottsville.

“Imagine if these were linked at both ends with safe cycling connections.”

Supporters of The Northern Rivers Rail Trail are eagerly awaiting the trail to be connected to Byron.

Another rider posted a photo of their bike at the end of the unconnected rail trail and stated, ‘it would be nice to ride to Mullum one day – how’s Byron Shire Council going with their end of the trail’?

Byron Shire Council has been divided over what to do with the rail trail.

Many in the Shire have wanted the old rail tracks to be reopened.

While some members of Byron Shire Council have supported the idea of building a bike path next to the existing train track.

Recently, Mayor Michael Lyon said he wanted Council to finally get behind the rail trail and make it happen, but also has pushed the idea of having a light rail commuter service operate between Mullumbimby and Byron.

Byron Shire Council was contacted for commented.

A follow up will be in next week’s edition of the Northern Rivers Times.

The full Northern Rivers Rail Trail is planned to cover more than 132 kilometres, from Murwillumbah to Casino, passing through Byron Bay, Bangalow and Lismore.

The Casino section of the rail trail is currently under construction.

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