Do you support the future of the rail trail through Byron Shire? Why?
Asren Pugh, Labor – I drove the change to the council’s policy on the rail trail in this term of council. We had two decades of inaction, delay and obfuscation that should be an embarrassment to previous councils. The rail trail should have been built years ago.
Sarah Ndiaye, Greens – I am delighted to announce that Byron Greens and I enthusiastically support the development of a rail trail through Byron Shire as part of an integrated, sustainable transport solution. We’ve updated our position to reflect the changing regional context, opportunities for our local businesses, and our community’s vision for our shire’s future.
If yes, in what format, rail trail only or multi-modal?
Cr Pugh – The idea that you can run trains and a rail trail together has been utterly debunked. Bridges, tunnels and land ownership issues make it impossible. No government will fund a train, and Transport for NSW have said definitively that they are not looking at trains at all.
Cr Ndiaye – We advocate for an approach where the rail corridor remains in public hands. We support a rail trail from Byron to the south and Mullumbimby northward, and a dual-use rail and walking trail between Byron and Mullumbimby. This approach balances active transport, eco-tourism opportunities, and the potential for future public transport options like on-demand bus services which we are starting a petition for.
Will you support the rail trail-only option in the first instance?
Cr Pugh – The rail trail will be a game-changer for Byron Shire. When it is built, it will form the spine of a new active transport network that will connect most of the towns and villages of our shire. It will enable locals to get from the Bangalow Industrial Estate to Byron. It will mean kids can ride or walk all the way through Bangalow to school without crossing a road.
It will mean you can ride off-road all the way from Suffolk Park through Byron to Sunrise and along to Mullum. It will connect North Ocean Shores and Billinudgel with South Ocean Shores and Mullum. With a little extra work fixing the Kolara Way Bridge, South Golden Beach and New Brighton will be connected. Add the Mullum to Bruns track and we will have an integrated walking, biking, running, and rolling active transport network. Just imagine it! Cr Ndiaye – We are comfortable taking a staged approach and we will reassess as required. Our goal is to develop a holistic solution that addresses the diverse transportation needs of our community while promoting sustainability and retaining public ownership of the rail corridor. We will advocate strongly for funding for connected public transport options including sections of rail and an on-demand bus service, alongside comprehensive active transport including rail trail.
How will you achieve the completion and in what time frame?
Cr Pugh – We need a mayor with the vision and determination to deliver this crucial piece of infrastructure for our community. It will only be possible with grant money and we need to be able to show the Labor governments at state and federal levels how important this project is to our community.
I am committed to delivering the rail trail for Byron Shire for the whole corridor and it will be a key focus for our Labor council team if we are elected.
Cr Ndiaye – We are at a real advantage now as we can learn from the shires either side of us to work out what will be most efficient, sustainable and cost effective. To realise our community’s vision for the rail trail, we will: 1. Collaborate with neighbouring shires for connectivity, 2. Seek sustainable funding and partnerships, 3. Engage the community extensively, 4. Prioritise environmentally sustainable design with native plantings, 5. Develop state-of-the-art, safe infrastructure, 6. Include adequate facilities like toilets and parking, 7. Incorporate Indigenous signage and create local job opportunities, 8. Conduct a feasibility study for long-term sustainability.
We aim to make significant progress within the next council term, including community engagement, planning, funding, and construction.
♦ Current Mayor Michael Lyon did not respond.
**If you’d like to see the Byron Shire Council candidates answer questions in person, The Echo and BayFM are hosting a Meet the Candidates event at Byron Theatre 6pm-8pm on Monday 2 September. Admission is free, you can turn up on the night or register to attend here.
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