On behalf of Northern Rivers Rail Ltd (NRRL) I’d like to take this opportunity to wish both locals and the many visitors to the region a bright, prosperous and safe New Year ahead. No doubt those of you in Byron Bay in particular are familiar with the ever-increasing problems of traffic congestion, both in the town and elsewhere across the region. We at NRRL are working hard and diligently to bring about a significant improvement to this situation with a proposed reintroduction of rail services beyond Byron Bay – out to Mullumbimby initially, then to Yelgun and Lismore.
To that end we urge Byron Shire Council (BSC) to work with NRRL and to adopt the recommendations of the Arcadis (Multi Use Railway Corridor) report commissioned by council in 2019, that allows for both rail and cycle ways across the shire (not one or the other). Traffic congestion will eventually strangle popular places like Byron Bay unless rail services are provided across the region. There is a high proportion of residents and tourists without access to a motor vehicle across the Northern Rivers, so it is critical for everyone to have access to a safe, reliable, low emissions rail service. The current local bus services are not adequate, not accessible to many, nor integrated into other transport systems, and are also part of the traffic problem.
It is vital that accessible, all weather, efficient and safe rail transportation be made available for all, and be given priority over recreational use. This should be part of Byron Council’s commitment to residents and the millions of visitors to the region. NRRL is pleased to work cooperatively with Byron Shire Council to ensure the implementation of a multi-use corridor for the benefit of everyone.
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