Proof that the Northern Rivers loves the Rail Trail.

Time to finish the entire 132km for all of our communities

Stage 1 of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail opened on 1st March 2023 and over the first four (4) months data released by Tweed Shire Council this week shows more than 70,500 people have used this section. That is 17,638 people per month or an average of 578 people per day. The original business case for the Tweed section had set goals of 27,000 people per year, equivalent to 9,000 people in the first four (4) months. This has been absolutely smashed by nearly eightfold, or more than double the annual goal in just the 4 months.

What this clearly demonstrates is the popularity of this free, safe, accessible and family friendly recreational activity for local residents and visitors to the Northern Rivers.

The economic benefits can be seen with 87% of trail users stating from surveys that they have used an associated Rail Trail experience and spent money with a local business.

President of the NRRT Inc. Mr Pat Grier says “This is the clearest message that can be sent to the Byron and Lismore councils and residents about the benefits of the Rail Trail to their communities. It is an undisputed success, and they need to get behind building the entire 132km so that their communities can enjoy and reap the social, heath and economic rewards.”

“There have been very few major infrastructure projects across the Northern Rivers that had the potential to be key drivers of economic benefits like this Rail Trail. This is why we have been behind this project for the past 10 years. We knew it would be an incredible use of a disused government asset, and to see the early results of the Tweed section has blown away everyone’s expectations. The Northern Rivers are still recovering from the devastating 2022 floods, and we need this project to drive the economic recovery and get the bonus of providing residents along the Rail Trail the ability to remain healthy, active and connected.”

“We are asking State and Federal governments to continue to support this project with funding to complete the entire trail. On the back of these early results, it is abundantly clear that it is something that the community have embraced and are proud of, which will be mirrored in every other community and village along the entire 132km.”