The ongoing onslaught of misinformation regarding rail service rebuilding on our corridor is mind-boggling, given that even some of our elected leaders are apparently drawn into believing misinformation too.
Cr Peter Westheimer’s letter (26 April) is unfortunately no exception. It was an extraordinarily long letter, with serial erroneous points, baffling those that know the facts.
Firstly, the existing rail trail does offer a wonderful option to travel along its length.
Secondly, there was ongoing opportunity for the community to consult and be informed over the entire ten-year process of the rail corridor’s prospects.
Thirdly, the building company, Hazell Bros, never said that building a second formation alongside the existing rail formation was cheaper than just using the existing rail formation! Fourthly, traversing over tunnels is usually not easy, with land procurements being one issue. Just imagine having to travel over the Burringbar Tunnel, which is about 100 metres beneath the top of the ridge.
Fifthly, the business case for rail v trail is that rail is far, far more expensive to build, in fact the trail leaves decrepit bridges completely alone, as museum historical features; and then there’s the rolling stock purchasing and maintenance and massive running costs of a rail service.
Sixthly, the NSW Government did not have ‘a complete lack of foresight’; it instead had the foresight that necessitated ceasing the service way back in 2004, as projected maintenance costs went stratospheric.
Seventhly, the rail trail has never undergone ‘slick campaigning’. It has simply and consistently stated facts through thorough investigation and tabling of costs via evidence, and seeking funding for best visions for this community.
Eighthly, look, Westheimer’s letter goes on and on and on about train fantasies. Good luck. But the fact is, that the rail trail makes sense to all that have sense, period, and they enjoy being able to ride or walk along in safety, to schools, seeing friends, or just being on the trail with them.
The visions for walkers, cyclists, and ebikes on a rail trail in Byron Shire is gaining increasing traction.
Doubling down on failed train fantasies is very tiresome and perplexing indeed.
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. 
