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Byron Shire
October 20, 2026

Frustrated train support

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I gather Mr Clitheroe (comments on The Echo online: www.echo.net.au/rail-trail-option-to-be-explored) was present at Murwillumbah Railway Station on 24 September taking photos to put on Facebook gloating at how few attended the music function. This is his way of so-called proving how few want a light rail to return. 

But in his ignorance he overlooks so many ongoing questions concerning our frustrated support.

Like: How was it possible for such an insignificant minority group as the rail trail supporters to get so much state and federal funding for their project, which stated that it was dependent upon majority support, which it clearly was not?

How come this minority group was able to get support from politicians to give them permission to destroy a State Significant Asset – our rail line, worth hundreds of millions of dollars?

How, knowing the chaos and congestion on our road network right now, did our State Labor elected MP Ms Janelle Saffin, and our federal MP Mrs Justine Elliot do nothing to retain our rail line?Was it possible that both aided this minority group to get the funding, while not bothering to consider the current and future needs of the majority of locals?

But, anyway, Ms Lydia Kindred in her great interview on local ABC radio gave us the best news that, after inspection, the green light has been given, that this rail trail surface would undoubtedly be structurally safe to carry a light rail service, thus pushing the bike riders off onto a side track. Which should always have been implemented in the first place. Great to hear that Big Light Rail Line Business is working towards this.

Oh, I presume that this insignificant minority group did put in a business plan? I heard that 20 riders met to try out the track at Stokers Siding, and spent $1.40. Wow! No wonder they expect us to pay for their bike track and $400,000/year maintenance costs!

Mike Yarrow, Byangum 



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