By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE chance to investigate a rail trail for the currently disused Murwillumbah to Casino rail line has been welcomed by Tweed Mayor Barry Longland.
NSW Minister for the North Coast Don Page announced late last week that funds were available to conduct a feasibility study to assess the costs and benefits of developing the trail on the former Murwillumbah-Casino line. The line was closed finally closed in 2004.
“This is welcome news from the Minister for the North Coast, Don Page MP and I congratulate him for progressing quickly to capitalise on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to investigate the feasibility of a rail trail in the Northern Rivers,” Cr Longland said.
“A rail trail would bring much-needed economic growth and jobs to the Tweed and the wider region, as well as showcasing our spectacular scenery and promoting a healthy lifestyle through the walking and cycling opportunities it would offer.
“It would be a wonderful fit for the Northern Rivers and form a valuable economic, social and physical link between our communities, as well as the very large consumer market of south east Queensland.
“Most importantly, it would preserve the rail corridor by keeping it in public ownership.”.
According to Mr Page, the feasibility study will look at the “potential enhancement of the regional tourism industry, identify funding sources for the development and maintenance of a rail trail, stakeholder consultation and the preservation of the rail corridor in the event that rail services are re-introduced in the future, should a viable economic model become available.”
Councillor Longland said Tweed Shire Council had already shown its commitment to the rail trail concept, with the first steps towards a regional trail likely to be taken in the Tweed.
“In May this year, Tweed Shire Council resolved to actively support converting the Murwillumbah to Casino rail line to a rail trail,” Cr Longland said.
“Since then, council has resolved to investigate a pilot project to demonstrate the benefits of the project by constructing a rail trail from the Murwillumbah Railway Station to the Tweed River Art Gallery.
“To facilitate this project, $200,000 will be added to the projected Cycleways and Pedestrian Facilities Program for 2014-’15. Council will carry out survey, investigation and design during 2013-’14 and also seek grants to supplement council’s own funding.”
