Northern Rivers Rail Trail Funding Rejected
Future Expansion Faces Uncertainty After Federal Decision
The next stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has been dealt a setback after the Federal Government declined to provide funding for the project, sparking criticism from Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.
Mr Hogan said the Albanese Government had failed to continue funding the Rail Trail despite the success of completed sections and growing community support.
“There has been no new Federal funding for the Rail Trail since I secured funding for the Lismore to Bentley section in 2021,” Mr Hogan said.
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has become a popular tourism and recreation attraction, transforming former railway corridors into shared pathways for cyclists, walkers and visitors exploring the region.
Completed sections have drawn significant visitor numbers and delivered economic benefits to local communities, supporting cafés, accommodation providers and tourism-related businesses.
Mr Hogan described the funding decision as disappointing and argued the next stage through Lismore had strong local support and was ready to proceed.
“This is an incredibly disappointing decision for our region,” he said.
“The Rail Trail has already proven itself as a major success story. The completed sections are attracting thousands upon thousands of visitors and delivering real economic benefits to local towns and businesses.”
He said councils had been working together on planning and the economic case for expansion had been established.
“The next stage through Lismore was ready to go. Councils were working together. The community was behind it. The economic case stacked up. But Labor has walked away,” he said.
According to Mr Hogan, some sections of the Rail Trail have attracted close to 100,000 users each year, highlighting its value as a tourism and community asset.
He said the Government’s decision ignored both community support and the groundwork already completed.
“The community has done the hard work. Councils have done the planning. What’s missing is leadership from this Government,” Mr Hogan said.
Despite the setback, he confirmed he would continue campaigning for future funding to expand the project.
From the Northern Rivers Times News Desk
