The announcement that dashed the hopes of many seeking the resumption of trains on the north coast has sharpened the interest in others who want to use the railway corridor as a tourist attraction.
Now the state government has announced the Casino–Murwillumbah train service will never run again, Destination Tweed wants to see the old line developed into a north coast rail trail.
Destination Tweed CEO Bill Tatchell said while people would be understandably disappointed with the report’s findings, the rail trail concept was affordable, environmentally responsible ‘and a viable compromise’.
‘Transforming the old tracks into a trail for walkers and cyclists means that ownership of the rail corridor will be retained if we have the demand – and political will – for a train service to be re-introduced in 15, 20 or 30 years’ time.
‘In the meantime, a rail trail will bring major economic benefits to regional centres like Casino and Murwillumbah, as well as all the smaller villages along the route that have been bypassed by the motorway.’
The rail trail concept has proved to be a global tourism success story. In New Zealand, the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail attracts an estimated 14,000 walkers, cyclists and horseriders each year, generating direct expenditure of over $8 million.
‘Rail trail tourism represents a significant opportunity for Tweed Valley villages like Crabbes Creek, Mooball, Burringbar and Stokers Siding as potential stopping points for meals and overnight accommodation en route,’ said Mr Tatchell.
‘Studies also indicate that rail trail walkers often extend their visit to a region by spending extra nights at the start and finishing points, with 80 per cent of survey respondents staying in paid accommodation – as opposed to staying with friends and family.
‘Most importantly, this type of tourism targets the growing marketing of cyclists and active travellers while being a perfect fit with the Tweed’s environmental, conservation and sustainability values.’
Having used the rail trail in Newcastle ( old coal train line that runs for approx 30 km and being extended all the time) – I can vouch for the value for money investment. This really gets the community exercising and definitely draws tourists. I really hope this project goes somewhere. Rail trails are highly popular where ever they are built.
Love the idea, love the fact that this is the type of tourism we want to promote, love the fact that the corridor will then be retained for the potential future use. Lets make it happen.
Fabulous idea for the short and long term! Keeping the integrity of the corridor for possible future use for rail would show such foresight. I hope State or Federal funding will be available to get the trail up to scratch and to maintain in.
Sounds like a great Idea. as a fan of the Clare Valley food and wine traini in SA, also built on disused railway lines, I think this would offer locals more ways to capture the active Brisbane weekender tourists and others with a similar food, wine and accommodation trail.