Bangalow Progress Association is inviting the general public, BPA members and representatives of other local community organisations to a meeting to hear presentations on how the various options for new uses of the Murwillumbah to Casino rail corridor could impact upon Bangalow and neighbouring areas.
The NSW government is making up to $50m available to assist rail trail development or for commercial use of disused rail corridors in two areas of NSW of which the longest stretch is the Casino to Murwillumbah railway. Expressions of interest are due by the end of March 2015.
Potential loss
BPA president Tony Hart said, ‘Bangalow already attracts many tourists, often day trippers plus visitors staying in Byron Bay and other coastal resorts and the surrounding hinterland.’
‘While these are very welcome, there is potential for Bangalow losing its attractiveness should we have too many tourists or different types of tourists merely using the town as a starting off or end point for a walk or ride on the rail corridor.
‘BPA is encouraging more open debate about how Bangalow will be impacted upon by the various options.’
Representatives of at least three separate groups planning to submit expressions of interest to the state government will speak at the meeting in Bangalow Heritage House in Deacon Street 5.30–8pm on Thursday March 5.
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