Rail Trail on track after $6.5 million Federal boost

02 February 2018

Tweed Valley Rail Trail now fully funded

Tweed Shire Council has welcomed today’s announcement of a $6.5 million boost for the Tweed Valley Rail Trail project, matching the funds committed by the NSW Government last year.

The Federal Minister for Regional Development John McVeigh visited Murwillumbah today to announce $6.5 million in funding had been approved from the Regional Jobs and Investment Program (RJIP).

Deputy Mayor Councillor Reece Byrnes said the announcement meant the project to build a 24-kilometre long rail trail from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek was now fully funded, with more than $13 million committed.

“I welcome today's announcement by the Federal Government of Tweed Shire Council’s success under the latest RJIP funding round for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail,” Cr Byrnes said.

“The rail trail will be a great injection into our tourism and small business sector, particularly in Murwillumbah.

“Make no mistake, this is a community victory and one we all share.

“This announcement comes after years of tireless work from members of the community and in particular the members of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Board.

“I also extend thanks to our local State and Federal Representatives who committed much support to this Council project,” he said.

Tweed Shire Council will be responsible for delivering the project and Council’s Director Engineering David Oxenham said the next step is to begin work on detailed concept designs.

“This announcement is great news, especially for all the people in our community who have worked hard to make it happen but there is still lots of work to do before the project gets underway,” Mr Oxenham said.

The NSW State Government announced in August 2017 that it would commit $6.5 million to the rail trail in Tweed Shire, which it sees as Stage 1 of a larger Northern Rivers Rail Trail along the full length of the Murwillumbah to Casino rail line.

Chairman of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Board, John Greer, said the rail trail was the best way to keep the land the rails are on intact and preserve it for community use.

“What is really special about this day is seeing federal, state and local government representatives getting behind a project which will have so many positive outcomes,” Mr Greer said.

“This shows what can be achieved when different levels of government work together and are focused on a common goal.”