Northern Rivers Rail Trail ‘on track’

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) is on track to be completed by December 2022 and is anticipated to attract increased tourism to the Tweed, help stimulate the local economy and provide a valuable recreation asset for the region.

The project was given the green light in June when Tweed Shire Council awarded family-owned construction company, Hazell Bros (Qld) Pty Ltd with an $11.8 million contract to design and construct the Tweed section.

The Tweed section was the first stage to be fully funded thanks to grants from the Australian Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Package Fund and NSW Government’s Restart NSW program and will connect Crabbes Creek, Mooball, Burringbar, Stokers Siding and Murwillumbah.

“Momentum is building. We have been working with the contractor to fully ‘test’ the concept plans against all the technical requirements and site constraints to ensure that it is ‘constructible’ and feasible and we are almost there,” Project Director, Iain Lonsdale explained.

“A range of other project works are also underway – including liaising with private landowners and evaluating suitable locations for onsite offices, construction materials and site access.”

Work will soon start on the Master Plan which will include a Delivery Plan to describe the final trail alignment, finishes and features such as signage, seating and access paths; and also an Embellishments Plan that will outline potential future opportunities to enhance the trail as resources and funding permits.

“We’ll be working closely with technical experts, tourism bodies, local businesses, recreation groups, residents and other important stakeholders to help make sure we get it right. We’re already hearing the excitement build in the community and we believe that by working together we can make the best of the opportunity we have.”

Eventually, it is envisioned that the NRRT will stretch from Murwillumbah to Casino within the rail corridor of the former North Coast Rail Line. It will be constructed in 4 stages, with each delivered separately by the 4 local Councils as funding allows. The Casino to Lismore section is also now fully funded.