Landowners invited to join Sharing Group

21 March 2019

Council is calling on landowners adjoining the rail corridor to join a Landowners Sharing Group to assist the Rail Trail Project team identify and resolve landowner concerns as the project progresses.

On Wednesday 20 March, some 35 landowners attended the first of a series of conversations about the rail trail where they were invited to voice their concerns to both councillors and the project team.

Rail Trail Project Director Iain Lonsdale said Council was delivering this significant regional recreation and tourist product for the Northern Rivers region with funding support from both the state and federal governments.

“While we do not have all the answers to the specific questions landowners have, we accept that their concerns around their properties, businesses and lifestyles are legitimate and we are keen to work with them to safeguard their interests,” Mr Lonsdale said.

The Landowners Sharing Group will work collaboratively to identify solutions to issues such as fencing, trespass and weed management.

Council has shortlisted four companies (with two in reserve) to proceed to tender for the Design and Construct contract for the rail trail.

“It’s important that these companies are aware of individual landowner concerns so they can incorporate and cost solutions in the detailed design of the rail trail where possible.”

Landowners adjoining the rail corridor are invited to join the Landowners Sharing Group by emailing RailTrail@tweed.nsw.gov.au or phoning the Rail Trail hotline on 1800 826 267.

The Rail Trail Project is on track for construction to start around July this year.