Beth Shelley, Booerie Creek
I remember catching the Gold Coast Motorail in the late 1980s to enjoy a day at the beach and a rest from the craziness of life. Looking out through the big window I felt amazed by the peace and beauty of the countryside between Lismore and Byron. It was an absolute delight for the soul. No stress of driving, no damaged roads and giant trucks. Just peace and feeling safe. Local people tell me how they used to feel safe putting their teenagers on the train to go to the beach for the day.
In all the years since our rail service was closed there has been no community consultation to find out what people want. An article in the Tenterfield Star states last December a community consultation was held in Tenterfield by NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet (DPC).
‘DPC executive director Chris Hanger explained to those at the community meeting that the onus for managing and maintaining rail trails once a rail corridor is closed generally falls to the local council.’ Then Tenterfield Council ‘voted in favour of maintaining the current rail infrastructure for its future tourism potential’.
Our population has grown considerably and tourist numbers are now second only to Sydney. Tenterfield has 4,000 people. How does this make sense?
I grew up in Sydney but it’s wonderful now that I live surrounded by natural beauty in my own piece of heaven. I’d love to be able to share that with everyone by having trains carrying us safely and peacefully through this stunningly beautiful area. Have your say by coming to a rally for rail on December 8, 10am at the Lismore Quad.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
