The sign says Look Out For Trains but, despite the best efforts of the rail lobby, no trains are set to rain on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line any time soon.
But, according to Byron mayor Simon Richardson, that hasn’t prevented hundreds of Mullumbimby residents from using the railway crossing that is a convenient short-cut to the one in the town’s main street.
Now contractors John Holland Rail, who are paid to maintain the line until a decision is made about its future, have announced they are going to close the crossing.
Mayor Richardson said notice of the closure had ‘come as a complete surprise considering how well it is used’.
And he is urging people who regularly use the crossing to get in touch with the council and John Holland Rail.
‘Each day people cross from the eastern side to the west and connect through to town on foot and bicycles.
‘It’s used by workers, school children and families accessing the nearby park and town.
‘Whilst its construction is a touch rudimentary it’s still a highly valued community access point,’ he said.
Cr Richardson said if the crossing was closed, the alternative access point would be across the main railway crossing on the footpath attached to the road.
‘As the main thoroughfare through Mullumbimby, this is a busy road and many locals choose the quieter option of passing over the railway line near Council,’ he said.
He ended by saying that Council has written to John Holland Rail and asked that they urgently consult with the community on the proposed closure.
Additional advice from staff has also been requested on possible options for keeping the pedestrian crossing open.
“The sign says Look Out For Trains but, despite the best efforts of the rail lobby, no trains are set to rain on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line any time soon.”
With the current efforts from the NRRAG and TOOT, im not sure how much longer it will be closed for!