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CASINO TO MURWILLUMBAH RAIL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY SUCCESSFUL TENDERER ANNOUNCED

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CASINO TO MURWILLUMBAH RAIL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY SUCCESSFUL TENDERER ANNOUNCED

Friday 22 November 2013

CASINO TO MURWILLUMBAH RAIL TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY
SUCCESSFUL TENDERER ANNOUNCED

The Minister for the North Coast, Don Page MP, today announced the successful tenderer for the Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Trail Feasibility Study.

Arup Pty Ltd has been awarded the Consultancy.

The tender evaluation panel considered their submission demonstrated skill and capacity against all criteria to a high degree. The Minister looks forward to receiving their report, expected to be completed by the end of March 2014.

Since the announcement of the study a great deal of interest has been expressed across the region recognising the potential benefits for the Northern Rivers. The study will give all interested groups and stakeholders the opportunity to input.

The study will:

Assess the potential economic benefits of developing a rail trail on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, including its potential to enhance the regional tourism industry and generate employment and business.  Assess the environmental and social benefits and impacts of a rail trail on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

Assess the cost of developing a rail trail on the entire Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, as well as developing the project in stages. For example from Byron Bay to Bangalow initially. This should include information on existing bridges and other alternatives for crossing creeks and gullies etc.

Identify and outline potential funding sources for the initial development and long term maintenance of a rail trail on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

Consult with stakeholders about the development of a rail trail, including local governments in the Northern Rivers, the regional tourism organisation, community groups and tourism operators about the potential benefits, limitations and impacts of a rail trail.

Take into account information from previous reports and studies (including the Casino to Murwillumbah Transport Study), to determine technical and other important issues relevant to the development of a rail trail on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

Ensure that the rail corridor is preserved for the re-introduction of rail services, should a viable economic model become available.

Take into account the impact of a rail trail on the ability of private operators to run a light rail service in the Byron Bay area.

Outline options for the consideration of the current legislative requirements for dealing with rail infrastructure on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line.

Mr Page thanked the Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian for making the funds available to conduct the study.