Jan Mangleson, Northern Rivers Rail Ltd
I believe the Northern Rivers community is about to lose one of its most important assets, taken away by our own NSW state parliament. Federal and State money has been given to a small lobby group intent on ripping up train lines that have served the Casino, Lismore, Byron, and Murwillumbah populations since 1896.
Parliament has removed the protection of railway corridor zoning from the northern and southern sections of the Casino to Murwillumbah Branch Railway line. Only a small bicycle corridor will remain.
It has been a slow, deliberate death. The prize is prime valuable land that has by law belonged to the people of NSW. Until now.
Two meetings in the Byron Shire will give locals an opportunity to examine if it is it too late? Come along on Wednesday 10 March to the Bangalow Bowling Club, and to Mullumbimby on 17 March at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club at 6pm.
Northern Rivers Rail Ltd was formed three months ago with the intention of raising money and volunteers from the community to work with governments and councils to restore the line and run train services again. For details go to www.northernriversrail.com.au.
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. 
