Lismore has not seen a functioning train since 2004, since then there has been constant debate whether to reopen the rail lines throughout the Northern Rivers or to pull the tracks up and use them as a 'Rail Trail' for recreational purposes.

The NSW Government will be putting a bill to parliament in the coming weeks for a Transport Administration Amendment (TAA) that will give the decision making authority to the relevant minister.

According to local group Northern Rivers Rail Ltd, a pro train group, this will lead to the destruction of all non-operational regional rail lines and they would like your help.

"Up until now, all regional railway lines have been protected by the need for Parliament to approve any closure of lines but the NSW government is planning in the next fortnight to give total control to the Transport Minister to spell the death knell for any and all regional railway lines that do not currently run services!

"The fact that there are numerous local communities working to bring back rail services or extend them further does not figure in these plans, which will empower ‘rail trails’ to be able to take over all these lines in NSW.

"The Northern Rivers’ Casino – Murwillumbah railway line has been dealt a heavy blow by money being allotted to Tweed Shire Council and Richmond Valley Council to install bike paths while pulling up our tracks!

"The fact that there are several railway companies prepared to bring rail services back to the Northern Rivers Line does not seem to count, even though it is stated that the current legislation ensures the NSW government retains ownership of the rail corridor so it can be returned to transport use if required in the future’.

"The section between Bentley and Yelgun (through Lismore and Byron Shires) has not been closed, which has been required till now for a bike path to be built in the rail corridor. If this new TAA is passed, it allows for ‘the minister to remove the rails with or without the closure of the line’!

"It is scheduled that this Transport Administration Amendment (TAA) is going before Parliament this month and we ask for you to respond in URGENCY.

Please view: Briefing on TAA Amendment_March 2022v1 (1) (1)

"We ask you to call and email your local NSW Member of Parliament and State Government Ministers Ministers (nsw.gov.au) to say you want to have a future rail service on our line with a bike trail beside it, so the tracks must be retained and for them to vote on your behalf against this TAA legislation change. 

Contact: 

Sam Farraway, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:

sam.farraway@parliament.nsw.gov.au Phone: (02) 8574 5210

Janelle Saffin: Lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au  Phone: (02) 6621 3624

Tamara Smith: Ballina@parliament.nsw.gov.au Phone: (02)6686 7522

Geoff Provest: Tweed@parliament.nsw.gov.au  Phone: (07)5523 4816

"The last train service was taken away in 2004. NRRLs primary goal is to raise funds and lobby to bring a regular rail service back to the Northern Rivers:

We want off-road transport options. A rail-based commuter, tourist, heritage transport system in the Northern Rivers will provide this.

"Stage 1 of a comprehensive Business Plan with strategy and budget is now finalised thanks to a dedicated group of professionals working to have trains running on our Northern Rivers tracks. 

"Thanks to Chris Sheridan, with 43 years in rail, there is now a PowerPoint summary outline of the strategy for the entire line with specific extracts from the Byron Shire LGA Business Plan and Costings.

"Please view via this link: Mullum-Sat-28-May-2022.pptx (live.com) 

"What a great opportunity we have to get off the roads and link up our wonderful villages, towns, live entertainment venues, and the natural wonders of the culturally and environmentally diverse NSW Northern Rivers."