Chris Abraham, Mullum Creek
I refer to Ross Kendall’s letter on 29 April and feel the need to dispute some of his contentions.
Railways provided the only form of connection except for shipping, Australia wide, until well into the 20th century.
Although the use gradually declined during the last century as road transport became dominant, it should not be written off.
There has been a revival of railways elsewhere in the world, and there is no reason why this should not happen in Australia, particularly in areas where the only other form of public transport has been shown not to be a practical service.
Feasibility studies have been carried out which show that reintroduction of the railway is viable, and a much needed service in the community.
Furthermore, a rail trail could be constructed beside the reopened railway so that we could have both.
Many potential users of a rail trail would like to be able to ride on part of the trail, but not necessarily the journey from, say, Mullumbimby to Byron.
They could ride part of the way, and use the railway for the remainder.
This would increase the usage of the rail trail.
The existing solar train might seem ‘Mickey Mouse’ to Ross.
However, this train is already a prototype for future solar trains in Australia and overseas.
This development will be driven by the need to urgently reduce our carbon footprint so as to prevent disastrous or irreversible climate change.
I wish more people would keep an open mind, rather than rule against a development without the facts to back it up.
As with COVID-19, it is beneficial to listen to the experts, and a number of these are involved in the proposed reinstatement of the railway.
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. 
