Well done Byron Shire Council for finally rising up to the common sense reality that our neighboring shires have known for so long: that the rail corridor is worth protecting from any future sell-off.
The rail trail concept was always the only viable option to gain any funding to not only keep the corridor in public hands, but to even promptly pay for the trail construction in five or so years.
This region is about to take a leap forward in social and tourism design, as well as seeing an exciting alternative addition to the ever more dangerous RTA road system. With so many more small business opportunities soon to benefit from rail trails’ renowned global appeal, and with minimal, if any, extra car numbers in our congested Byron, it surely is a momentous welcoming of a new era.
Even in rail trail circles, this region is regarded as a stunning setting. Let us hope for the federal and state funding to ensure this vital corridor lives again. Who knows, our grandkids may one day ride a solar powered light-weight levitation train, built alongside the trail. But that’s yet another generation’s dream. Or is it?
One thing seems certain, that our corridor will grow into an ever-important linking of our communities.
Tim Shanasy, Byron Bay
