The Mullumbimby, Byron, and Lismore chambers of commerce, along with local businesses and the Byron and Lismore councils, have said that they are incredibly disappointed and frustrated at the federal government’s decision not to fund the latest applications for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT).
‘There is serious frustration at the failure of the government to fund the link between the Tweed, Byron, and Lismore shires,’ said Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Community (MCCC) President Paul Prior. ‘The rail trail will connect all these shires together.’
‘This is a genuine kick in the guts to the business community, and the residents of our region,’ said Matt Williamson, President of the Byron Chamber of Commerce (BBCC).
Watching a clown show
‘We have had to endure watching a clown show of local politicians hate on the rail trail, then backflip, then flip again, till finally common sense prevails, just to cop another kick, this time from a different level of government. Business is crying out for this to go ahead, the community is begging for it so please, let’s just get this built.’
Lismore Chamber of Commerce (LCC) President Mike Ackrell told The Echo, ‘It is just ridiculous. Why would you not do something that would actually promote the whole of the Northern Rivers, especially after the greatest natural disaster in history?
‘The economic benefit for it is so much greater than the price that they have to pay. The target they had for the Tweed section of the rail trail for the first year – they actually got to that target in the first two months!’
The federal government grant application that was rejected was for the design and construction of the Mullumbimby to Crabbes Creek section and the Lismore to Bexhill section of the NRRT.
Lismore City Mayor, Steve Krieg, Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, and Federal MP for Richmond, Justine Elliot, all said they were very disappointed, but would keep working towards getting the rail trail fully funded and built from Tweed to Bentley.
Bitterly disappointing
‘It is bitterly disappointing that the proposed rail trail sections haven’t been funded. We’ve felt that the last few years there’s been great momentum towards this next stage of funding,’ Eltham Pub owner Matt Rabbidge told The Echo.
‘We see the rail trail creating an important link across the Northern Rivers, linking communities and developing new opportunities for lots of the smaller villages on the trail, us included.
‘For the pub, it’s such a massive opportunity for locals and visitors alike. Hopping on a bike to ride across to Bexhill, Lismore, or even the other way to Bangalow would be a regular.
‘We are trying hard over this side of the trail and once it all links up it will tell a beautiful story for the entire area’.
Have your voice heard
Pat Grier, President of Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters, told The Echo that they were taking this as an opportunity to encourage everyone to make their voices heard about how much they want the rail trail.
‘It’s disappointing we didn’t get the Regional Precints and Partnerships Program (RPPP) grant but this shows the general public that this won’t “just happen”, we do need support from the community – from businesses, residents, visitors and local, regional and national politicians,’ he said.
‘The huge economic benefits of the rail trail can’t be disputed – businesses are thriving, towns that were once unknown are bustling, new businesses are being established along the trail and Northern Rivers locals are being employed.
‘Show your support by adding your name at www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au/support,’ he said.
Tweed perspective
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry told The Echo, ‘It is incredibly disappointing to see the funding not come through for the next sections of the Rail Trail.
‘The Northern Rivers Rail Trail has the potential to be an internationally significant tourist attraction and it moves tourism away from the coast which is great for resilience and sustainability.
‘We can see from the success of the Tweed section that the economic benefit it generates is much broader than bike hire and coffee,’ she said. ‘We have seen the flow on impacts to all of our hinterland villages and towns it passes through.
‘An investment in the rail trail is an investment in the Northern Rivers as a destination and after everything we have been through as a region, it is the type of strong economic driver we need. The rail trail project is bigger than something an individual Council can pay for so it will be reliant on help from both the state and federal government to continue the momentum.
‘It is hard to understand not investing in this project after three consecutive awards at the National tourism awards – two golds and a silver as best tourist attraction nationally indicate it is a successful model. I think it would be a better investment than paying for a disused corridor to be maintained.’
Business action
Jenelle Stanford from the MCCC told The Echo, ‘some frustrated businesses are discussing how they can help get the project started and make it clear to all levels of government that this is really important for our local community and businesses.’
‘Some businesses are even talking about pledging money to help get this started,’ she said.
If want to find out more contact MCCC via their website: www.mullumbimby.org.au.
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