Vision

To develop, promote and sponsor a world class Rail Trail for the benefit of the Northern Rivers community

In May 2013, the not for profit community group, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association Inc, was formed by local philanthropists known as the Sourdough Group, community volunteers, local government councillors and staff and leaders of the tourist industry. The group came together with a common vision to preserve this very valuable community asset, the 130km of disused rail corridor between Murwillumbah and Casino and converting it to a modern cycle and walking trail through the region’s spectacular landscapes. The Rail Trail will be for the local community to use for getting to school, work and sport, shopping and recreation and by visitors seeking either a new way to experience the region’s scenery, food and culture or a more adventurous experience.

We have over 3,000 subscribers and prior to the last Federal Election all House of Representative candidates supported the concept of a rail trail.

All four councils(Tweed, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley) along the proposed Northern Rivers Rail Trail area now support the project along with other surrounding local authorities Ballina and Kyogle.

This valuable community asset must not continue to go to waste.

Our Purpose

To provide a team of experts, a “meeting place” and process to ensure the Northern Rivers rail corridor from Murwillumbah to Casino is protected in the long term. To be on top of the issues, well informed and focused on outcomes that work well for  the region’s community. To ensure practical and achievable outcomes are at the fore of our activities.

Our Aims

  1. Preserve the corridor for future generations
  2. To deliver the best outcome for the region’s community.
  3. To ensure we represent a broad cross-section of community views.
  4. To deliver a walking and cycling trail that is compatible with short and long term active transport needs of the region including commuter light rail where practical.
  5. To deliver a funding approach and business plan that will not be a burden to local government or the community.
  6. To link and help unite the region’s villages and towns.
  7. To provide residents of all ages of our community with opportunities for intra and inter village commuter access.
  8. To provide an opportunity to shift the visitor market from partying to adventure and good health and to distribute visitors throughout the region.
  9. To deliver many and varied business opportunities and jobs.
 
For more information visit the Resources page
Photo by: Matt Beaver

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail Inc Board Members

Executive

Pat Grier AM
(Member of the Order of Australia)
President
Cameron ArnoldVice President, Chair of Destination North Coast
Geoff MeersSecretary
Marie LawtonTreasurer/Public LIaison
Hilary WiseMedia

Board Members

Sol IbrahimCommunity rep
Iain LonsdaleProject Director – Northern Rivers Rail Trail and Unit Coordinator – Strategic Planning and Urban Design
Barry LonglandCommunity rep
Glenys RitchieCommunity rep
Patrick KnightEngineering Consultant – Community Rep
Norman CaseEngineering Consultant – Community Rep
Martin BrookFood Industry Rep – Community Rep
Iain LonsdaleTweed Council Rep
Andy ParksLismore Council Rep
Brad BirneyRichmond Valley Community Rep
Jenny DowellCommunity rep
Board Support
Richard White Community Support
Sandy Allan Community Support
Peter Hatfield Community Support
Pascal Scherrer Research
Marketing
Suyin Kershaw Marketing
Melissa  Darnley Marketing
Duncan Gibbs Design
Matthew Dokter Web Designer
Greg Byrnes Web Content

Patron for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail

Robert “Robbie” McEwen 

“Not only are there many cyclists looking for new and interesting places to ride, there are many more people who would like to ride but don’t feel safe on the roads.

If you give people a place to ride and walk, they will come! Mr McEwen said.

 

 

Former Patron – The Right Honourable JD Anthony AC CH – 

Born 31 December 1929, Murwillumbah Died: 20 December 2020

To me, it is very obvious that we have a potential rail trail that could become one of great success. The old railway line established many years ago over bridges and through tunnels, now offers an enticing appeal to the tourist industry.  This idea has been discussed for many years and now I am sure that our dreams and aspirations will come to reality. It would be difficult to imagine a trail in more beautiful surroundings than this in the far north of News South Wales. We are so lucky to have such a group of enthusiastic supporters to spur the project along.