Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley section

Lismore’s 16.3km Rail Trail section achieved another milestone this month with 80% of the twenty bridges and ten bypasses now complete. Lismore City Council is pleased to share the time-lapse construction of Back Creek Bridge Leycester, showcasing the progress achieved, moving Lismore closer towards opening its section later this year.

Construction crews continue to focus on bridges, road crossings, drainage and rest areas.

The project team have welcomed input from community, historical and Aboriginal groups into the development of interpretive signage for the Rail Trail that is currently under development.

A project update and lunch was held with landowners, residents and construction crews on Friday 23 August to thank everyone for their involvement, provide future updates and discuss plans for opening the Rail Trail.

Business education workshops were also held in Lismore on Wednesday 28 August to help businesses gain the most from the Rail Trail, to understand the opportunities, as well as provide practical advice on how the Rail Trail can transform Lismore and provide greater benefits for local businesses.

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

The Lismore section trail surface is now complete and construction crews are focussing on bridges and road crossings with good progress being made on the construction of the Bungabee and Back Creek bridges. Work is also continuing on the groundwork and drainage, with many of the rest stops now in place.

Many of the stockpile sites are being cleared and cleaned up, and planning is underway to construct the bridle trail and parking area near Bungabee.

The project team is currently working with the Aboriginal Advisory Group, local historical and national railway heritage groups to develop the interpretive signage along the trail. Anyone wishing to contribute ideas to the signage can email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au

A project update and lunch will be held with landowners and impacted residents in August, to discuss progress and plans for opening the Rail Trail. This face to face consultation will provide an opportunity to ask any questions and ensure all concerns are addressed. If you are a landowner, or resident on the Rail Trail and did not recieve this invitation, please email the project team at railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au

Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is moving ahead.

Construction crews are focussing their work on bridges and road crossings with good progress on the construction of the bridges at Bungabee and Back Creek, along with groundwork and drainage also continuing.

Existing bridges and structures are being utilised in various ways in the construction of the Rail Trail. Following an evaluation of all the bridges and structures, some bridges were identified for restoration to be included as part of the trail, while other bridges were too dilapidated or not suitable to meet safety standards and are therefore being replaced with suitable structures depending on the topography of the land. Where bridges were unable to be utilised on the trail itself, they are being referenced with signage and provide a structural feature to be admired while on the trail. The project team is currently working on the development of interpretive signage along the trail.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail continues to be a key driver of visitation to both the Tweed and Richmond Valley sections. Lismore businesses are encouraged to get ‘Rail Trail Ready’ with the Lismore section opening later this year. If you have a business that offers visitor experiences, services, or products, there are opportunities to leverage off the rail trail.

If you would like to understand how your business or idea can benefit, please contact business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

Benefiting from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Project Update, Tourism Insights and Business Marketing Opportunities

Are you Rail Trail ready? If the answer is no, then you need to attend this event!

Construction of the Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is well underway and on track to launch in late 2024. Lismore City Council wants to ensure local businesses understand the opportunities this major tourism asset will bring to the region, by sharing information and marketing insights to get Rail Trail ready.

Come and hear how construction is progressing and how businesses can leverage off the Rail Trail.

Destination North Coast General Manager, Michael Thurston, will provide insight into how big this generational opportunity is for increased visitation from the Rail Trail, and the economic opportunities for businesses across the region.

Tweed Shire Council’s Program Leader – Destination and Industry Development, Nicole Manderson will share how your business can establish a fruitful connection with the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Learn about the Connect Marketing Program and how your business can tap into signage programs, Rail Trail passes for commercial operators, and marketing opportunities for businesses and experiences along the trail and more broadly across the region.

Lismore City Council’s Senior Project Manager for the Rail Trail, Matt Arnett, will provide a construction update and outline some of the exciting features to be found along the Lismore to Bently section of the Rail Trail.

This is a free event with breakfast provided so registrations are essential. Please provide any dietary requirements on your registration form.

We look forward to seeing you for a morning of networking, insights, and support opportunities for your business.

Date: 7 May 2024

Time: 7:30am - 9.00am

Location: Lismore Children’s Library: Upstairs at Lismore Central Shopping Centre, 44 Carrington Street, Lismore. Free parking underneath the shopping centre.

Cost: Free (registrations essential)

Link to register for the free workshop: https://lismore-events.bookable.net.au/#!/event-detail/ev_66bcbd5401054ea2949315589d4ac715

For further information phone or email Wil Polson:

Email: business@lismore.nsw.gov.au

Phone: 6625 0500

May 2024 Update
Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Lismore to Bentley

Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is moving ahead despite recent wet weather.

Council is pleased the entire gravel trail surface is now complete for the Lismore to Bentley section. Construction crews are now working on bridges and road crossings, with work starting on the construction of the bridge at Bungabee. Progress on groundwork and drainage is also continuing.

The project team is working on the development of interpretive signage along the track and is appealing to the community to share any cultural or historical information and photographs that may be relevant to the Lismore to Bentley section. Please email railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au if you have something to share.

Council held two briefing sessions with local businesses, landowners, and community last week to update on the Rail Trail project, and to share business opportunities to leverage off the Rail Trail. The figures continuing to come out of the Tweed section provide further proof that the Rail Trail delivers great economic benefit, attracting almost 3,000 visitors per week to experience the Rail Trail. Lismore businesses are encouraged to get ‘Rail Trail Ready’ with the Lismore section opening latter this year.

If you would like to understand how your business or idea can benefit, please contact business@lismore.nsw.gov.au. Further information, business interviews and marketing tools can be found at https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/bentley-lismore-rail-trail

Funding for the Rail Trail project has been provided by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

Construction on the Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Lismore City Council is stepping up efforts to empower local businesses as construction progresses on the Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT).

Council hosted a workshop this week designed to guide local operators on ways to capitalise on the potential marketing and sales opportunities the trail will provide, through the anticipated surge in tourism.

The 16.3km stretch from Lismore to Bentley has seen significant development since its commencement in January, with substantial strides including the removal of railway infrastructure, finalisation of designs, and completion of approximately 5kms of track.

Council is on track to deliver the Lismore section in late 2024. This section will connect with the Casino to Bentley section, which opens on Saturday, 23 March.

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg emphasised the workshop's significance as part of a series designed to equip local businesses with insights into the diverse demographics of Rail Trail users and their preferred visitor experiences.

“In the first four months, the Tweed section of the Rail Trail attracted more than 70,500 people, smashing expectations of 27,000 people a year,” he said.

With the impending influx of tourists, the council is urging local businesses to gear up for the economic boom and ensure the delivery of top-notch experiences. Simultaneously, the council remains dedicated to leveraging the Rail Trail as a catalyst for economic growth within the community.

Mayor Krieg also hinted at the exciting prospects the Rail Trail holds for the Lismore community.

“The Lismore to Bentley section promises to substantially benefit the entire community by providing a fun and safe accessible pathway for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people using mobility aids to enjoy and connect to our natural environment, as well as more job opportunities,” he said.

Lismore City Council Manager Destination and Economy Tina Irish echoed the sentiment, calling the Trail a game changer for the region.

“With insights gleaned from the Tweed section's successful launch, we can maximise our preparation”, she said.

“We know that over 94% of Northern Rivers Rail Trail visitors expressed a desire to return to the trail, we know the most popular days of the week, times of the day and how visitors like to experience the trail.

“We want to share this with our business community to help make the Lismore to Bentley section the best experience it can be so are working on some exciting new business initiatives with our community as part of Lismore’s Rail Trail offerings.”

The Lismore to Bentley leg of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions program and is poised to unlock a wealth of opportunities for local businesses and communities alike.

To stay up to date on the Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail or to enquire about workshops and business development support, go to https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au/bentley-lismore-rail-trail.

April 2024 Update

Northern Rivers Rail Trail – Lismore to Bentley

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is converting disused railway line into a 132 km trail, to draw thousands of visitors each year to explore and discover the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers. Delivered across four stages, the trail runs from Tweed through Mullumbimby and Lismore to Casino.

Construction of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Lismore to Bentley section is steadily progressing. There has now been 10kms of the track completed, with two-thirds of the gravel trail surface in place.

Transformation of the old rail tracks into the rail trail has commenced at the Lismore Railway Station, with concrete pouring completed this month. Progress has also been made with the construction of sections of the trail where deviations are required to improve user safety and accessibility.

With these updates, the 16.3km Lismore to Bentley section is on track to be delivered in the latter part of 2024.

To share further detail on construction, and answer your questions, we invite you to join us for an onsite Meet and Greet with the project team at the Lismore Railway Station in South Lismore on:

Thursday, 9 May 2024 from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.

Your RSVP is appreciated, as light refreshments will be provided. Please send your name and best contact to railtrail@lismore.nsw.gov.au, or call 02 6625 0500.

The Richmond Valley Tweed section officially opened on 23 March 2024, and has been receiving strong support, attracting daily visitation to Casino and the trail.

Lismore businesses are encouraged to take part in an upcoming workshop designed to maximise the economic benefits of the Rail Trail opening in Lismore later this year. The workshop will be held on 7 May 2024 from 7.30am - 9.00am for enquiries, please email business@lismore.nsw.gov.au.

To subscribe to the Rail Trail Newsletter for updates, trip and travel inspiration, upcoming events, trail activities and more please visit https://www.northernriversrailtrail.com.au

Lismore City Council, in partnership with Richmond Valley Council, is pleased to offer local businesses the opportunity to learn how to leverage the upcoming Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail for marketing opportunities and to bolster sales.

The workshop will provide participants with insights into the types of people coming to enjoy the new Rail Trail and the experiences they are seeking.

Topics covered will help businesses adapt and appeal to new markets, and how to identify new business opportunities. The workshop is open to all businesses across the Local Government area, not just those within proximity of the Trail.

Date: Monday 4 March, 2024

Time: 7.30am – 9.00am

Location: Gordon Pavilion, Oakes Oval, 144 Magellan Street, Lismore

RSVP: REGISTER HERE

Breakfast provided.

Lismore City Council, Richmond Valley Council and Tweed Shire Council are collaborating to deliver a program to help businesses leverage opportunities for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

The program will be delivered by Meredith Wray, a leading regional tourism expert.

The program will help businesses to understand the economic opportunities surrounding the Trail and how they can capitalise on the new regional asset. It will include insights from ambassadors from the Tweed section of the Rail Trail, updates on project construction at Casino and Lismore, and knowledge sharing to support business growth and diversification.

LISMORE

Date: Thursday 16 November

Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Venue: Two Mates Brewing

RSVP: REGISTER HERE

CASINO

Date: Thursday 9 November

Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Venue: Casino Golf Club

RSVP: REGISTER HERE

Design has commenced on the Rail Trail linking Lismore to Bentley with the Concept design now available for comment.

The project will transform 16.5km of the disused rail corridor into a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy. This section joins the Casino to Bentley section currently under construction by Richmond Valley Council, opening up a 29.5km route from Lismore to Casino.

The project team has been meeting with adjoining landowners during May and June to ensure existing property amenity and operations are adequately safeguarded. The landowners have been overwhelmingly positive about the opportunities the Rail Trail will bring to our region. Interest in this project has peaked following the successful opening of the Tweed to Crabbes Creek section.

We now have the concept design and are starting to engage with the wider Lismore community. There will be further opportunities to provide feedback before construction starts in late 2023.

The $9.9 million project is funded by Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to boost recreation opportunities, tourism, and local economies.

Review the concept design HERE.