Byron Shire Council say they were notified this week that a federal government grant application for the design and construction of the Mullumbimby to Crabbes Creek section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was unsuccessful.
Local federal MP Justine Elliot told The Echo while she strongly supports rail trails, the criteria for the grant were not met by Byron and Lismore City Councils.
Byron Shire Council staff said, “The application for $42 million was submitted in 2024 in partnership with the Lismore City Council and also included the section of rail trail from Lismore to Bexhill”.
Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye, said she was bitterly disappointed.
“We applied for this funding through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program more than two years ago and we have been waiting patiently, so to be told now that it has been unsuccessful is a massive blow,” Mayor Ndiaye said.
“The rail trail is the key piece of infrastructure that will link communities both in the Byron Shire and across the region.
“The benefits to our economy, tourism, passive recreation and transport are obvious and we have waited so long to hear of the outcomes of the grant application, so this news really is crushing.
“I know the construction of the rail trail is a massive cost, but I have no doubt it will pay for itself ten-fold in terms of community benefit, environmental outcomes, tourism and business investment.
“We are entirely dependent on State and Federal Government funding to build the rail trail and the longer it takes to secure the money the more expensive it will be.
“The rail trail is open and operating from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek at one end and Casino to Lismore at the other with a missing link in the middle.
“We have no option now but to put our disappointment aside, regroup and work on a new way forward,” Mayor Ndiaye said.
Local federal MP replies
The Echo asked local federal MP Justine Elliot (Labor) if there were specific reasons this grant was rejected, and, “Was their application inadequate for example, and is there any feedback for Council to improve future applications?”
Mrs Elliot replied, “I’m a strong supporter of rail trails and, like many, I’m disappointed that the combined application from Lismore and Byron Councils has not been successful in the latest round of the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (RPPP)”.
“Their $44 million application was for funding to extend the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in three separate areas across our region.
“All applications in the RPPP program are assessed by an independent expert panel.
Key regulatory processes and approvals pending
“Unfortunately, I have been advised that the independent panel did not consider the application meritorious as some of the necessary criteria for this grant were not met including that it was not shovel-ready, and there are with key regulatory processes and approvals pending.
“These grants are highly competitive, and rules require that all criteria are met. Each application is judged on its merits under the strict guidelines.
“I’ll work with both Lismore and Byron Councils to assist in future grant applications for both Councils.
“As I’ve said I’ve always been a strong supporter of the rail trail and fought hard to get funding for the completed section in the Tweed. This has been a game changer for local businesses, the tourism industry, and our community. I want to see the rail trail right across the North Coast.
“I’ll continue to work with all Councils and our community to seek future funding opportunities for the next stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail,” Justine said.
“In last week’s Budget, the Government announced funding for Round 3 of the Growing Regions program. Local Governments will be eligible to apply for this funding, and guidelines are currently being developed. Applications are expected to open later in the year. For more information on Growing Regions and rPPP go to www.infrastructure.gov.au”.
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