Further to last week’s story where The Echo asked Byron’s mayoral candidates their position on rail trail or rail, we offered the other two mayoral candidates their say over the future of the disused railway, i.e. a return to rail or a rail trail.
David Warth
Mr Warth replied, ‘After considering other options for the beneficial use of the rail corridors existing in our shire, I feel that the rail trail initiative offers the most cost effective and practical way of bringing social and economic value to our community’.
‘The rail trail experience has been very positive in neighbouring shires. It has the potential to invigorate our beautiful hinterland communities with minimum impact on the environment and rural life style.
‘Visitors to the Byron Shire are constantly looking for ways to enjoy the area.
‘The rail trail would cater very well for families and individuals. It would be great to be able to explore our beautiful hinterland without spending a lot of money and have a healthy and enjoyable experience.
‘I feel there are a lot of benefits to this initiative and it seems we are lagging behind our neighbours in moving forward with this’.
Mayor Michael Lyon
Do you support the future of the rail trail through Byron Shire? Why?
‘My leadership of the Byron Council this term has seen us declare support and apply for funding for the rail trail for the first time. It is clear that the rail trail can bring many benefits to locals and visitors alike, and I pushed through significant opposition in order to do the right thing by our shire.
‘The economic, connectivity and health benefits to our community are clear and we needed to join our regional neighbours and get onboard’.
If yes, in what format, rail trail only or multi-modal?
‘The rail line between Mullum and Byron is straight and flat with only three bends along the entire section. This is the only section that could support both rail and trail, however, despite many opportunities, including the potential to extend the existing solar train from Bayshore Drive to town, no realistic proposal has been brought forward.
‘To construct the trail beside the rail will cost another $6 million extra, compared to on-formation in this section. This does not represent a good spend if no realistic option is brought forward, so time is almost up. While I have always seen the potential for rail in this section, given the growth in population in Mullumbimby, state government will not invest in it and there has been no solid business proposal brought forward’.
How will you achieve the completion and in what time frame?
‘We have joined forces with Lismore City Council already to secure funding for Mullumbimby to Crabbes Creek and from Bangalow to Binna Burra. As a council we have invested in our grants team and that has borne significant fruit in recent years, with amazing projects like the Byron Skate Park and road upgrades delivered around the shire. I have a track record of delivering and I will be proud to deliver a rail trail from end to end in Byron Shire. At 48km, it will be the largest section of the Northern Rivers, but we need to be shrewd to ensure that we do not end up with a liability from the ongoing maintenance. This will require careful negotiation with state government to ensure our interests as a Council are protected, and we are able to generate income to cover the costs’.
**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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