Frequently asked questions
Why is the State Government not bringing back trains?
The NSW Government’s Casino to Murwillumbah Transport Study examined the feasibility, benefits, and costs of reinstating passenger services on the 130km rail line. The study found the rail line would not meet current or future transport needs because it did not service two of the three biggest centres in the region: Tweed Heads and Ballina.
It also found no commercial demand for the line to be reinstated to carry freight. An engineering examination found the infrastructure has deteriorated significantly with more than $900 million needed to clear the vegetation, stabilise landslide areas, replace timber bridges sleepers, and ballast, and bring the system up to the current safety and operating standards for frequent and quick train services.
Another outcome of the Casino to Murwillumbah Transport Study was the recognition that the region’s transport needs would be better met through an integrated approach and that there was potential for the Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridor to be converted to a rail trail for use by pedestrians and cyclists.
What benefits will the Rail Trail bring to the Lismore community?
Rail trails globally are popular tourist attractions, bringing many benefits to rural towns and villages.
An increase in high-value visitors to the area who will spend more money locally, and stay longer, boosting the local economy and creating jobs.
An important conservation corridor created by extensive vegetation enhancement. Local biodiversity, native habitat, and local amenities are enhanced with weed control and landscaping.
Rail Trails create healthy transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, and accessible places to cycle, walk, horse-ride, jog, or skate.
Providing a connection for people to place and country Rail Trails breathe life into abandoned railway lines and preserve historic treasures like bridges and other original assets.
The Richmond Valley and Tweed Councils report significant visitation numbers to their respective Rail Trail sections. The Tweed Shire Council and the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation commissioned an independent Economic Impact Assessment Report to analyse the Rail Trail benefits to Tweed since opening on 1 March 2023.
Where has the funding come from for the Rail Trail and how has the money been managed?
Funding for the Rail Trail was secured in 2019 through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. It is not money that could have been spent on services like roads. Despite production material and supply chain costs more than doubling since the funding was secured Council managed to deliver the project in 2024 on time and on budget. The construction of the Rail Trail is set to bring many benefits to Lismore, including increased tourist visitation, and social and health benefits for residents. It also resuscitates the disused railway line abandoned in 2004, has led to the clean-up of tonnes of flood waste cleared as part of the project, and showcases the region’s spectacular countryside. The construction process also resulted in the reuse of 1600 tonnes of recycled steel removed from the original site being salvaged. Funds generated from this salvage were reinvested to rectify legacy drainage issues along the trail that previously caused localised flooding and to bring other elements of the trail embellishment to fruition. A portion of the funding will also be set aside to pay for the maintenance of the trail over the coming years.
Why did Council select a trail surface product different to other sections of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail?
The Lismore to Bentley section has been constructed using compacted gravel for durability and resilience to weather. The advantage of this product is three-fold. In wet weather events it is less likely to erode and wash away, it supports easy, cost-effective maintenance, and it also allows future proofing because it would not need to be removed or replaced in order to be sealed in the future – you can just seal over the top of it. Asphalt and concrete sections have been used at key entry points for improved accessibility.
What recycling measures did Council adopt in the development of this project?
Original railway steel and historic bridge timbers have been repurposed into various artifacts to maintain the railway line heritage and promote sustainability practices. This includes a commanding Lismore sign and a 4-metre-long bike rack at the Lismore Railway Station which feature railway steel from sections of the original line. Seats at the trailhead have been constructed from historic bridge timbers with brackets made from repurposed railway steel, as have horse-hitching rails.
What is being planned for the Lismore Railway Station?
Currently, external upgrades including new turf and pressure cleaning existing surfaces, have been made to the iconic heritage-listed Lismore Railway Station precinct. Plans for other improvements are being scoped.
When will work begin on the Lismore to Booyong section?
Work is underway to secure funds for the remaining 15.5 km of the Lismore section between Booyong and Lismore. Once funding is secured the project may still take several years as it involves the section of the NRRT that contains the most Bridges, most of which will need to be replaced.
What sustainability practices were employed?
Sustainability was a key consideration for the construction of the Lismore to Bentley section. Many examples demonstrate this sensibility as follows:
- 1600 tonnes of recycled steel removed from the original site was salvaged, with the funds reinvested to bring other Council priorities to fruition.
- Tonnes of flood waste were cleared to upgrade the area for the rail trail construction.
- A local South Lismore supplier repurposed existing railway steel into various artefacts. First is a commanding Lismore sign at the Lismore Railway Station which features railway steel from sections of the original line. Seats at the trailhead have been constructed from historic bridge timbers with brackets made from repurposed railway steel, as have horse-hitching rails. Finally, a 4-metre-long bike rack made from railway steel is installed at the Lismore Railway station.
- Compacted road-base gravel was used to construct the Lismore to Bentley section, creating an economical surface that can be easily maintained, or sealed in the future.
- During the Lismore to Bentley section construction, legacy drainage issues along the trail that caused localised flooding were cleared and cleaned.
What will happen to the heritage stations, rail bridges, and tunnels?
Protecting rail heritage is an important benefit of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. This approach underpinned the development of the Lismore to Bentley section. Following an evaluation of all bridges and structures, some bridges were identified for restoration to be included as part of the trail, while others were considered too dilapidated or unsuitable to meet safety standards and have therefore been replaced. Where bridges were unable to be utilised on the trail itself, they have been referenced with signage and provide a historic feature to be admired while on the trail.
Other historic relics like the original distance markers placed alongside the track featuring kilometres from Sydney have also been retained. Likewise, original railway steel and historic bridge timbers have been repurposed into various artefacts to maintain the railway line heritage and promote sustainability practices.
Is horse riding allowed on the Lismore to Bentley section?
Horse riders can explore 10km of the Lismore-Bentley section between Kyogle Road and Back Creek Bridge, Bentley, via a dedicated bridle path that runs parallel to the main trail. Various rest stops along the way feature water troughs and horse rails. After dismounting to cross the Back Creek Bridge, Bentley, horse riders can consider continuing to Casino and enjoying the delights of the Richmond Valley section of the Rail Trail (13.4km).
There are shared sections of the Lismore-Bentley section of the Rail Trail where horses, cyclists, and pedestrians will come together. Bikes must give way to horses, and horses and bikes must always give way to pedestrians. On all sections, we ask that any droppings be picked up and all rubbish be taken with you, as no rubbish bins are provided along the tail.
How will emergencies be managed?
A standardised emergency management plan for all sections of the Rail Trail is available. Emergency access points have been included in the Lismore to Bentley section design. Location markers are featured along the route for easy identification.
What is allowed on the Rail Trail?
The following are allowed on the Rail Trail:
- bicycles and e-bicycles (up to 250w)
- accessibility devices, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters
- push scooters/skateboards on sealed sections only
- prams
- dogs on short leads
- horses by permit and in designated areas only
What is not allowed on the Rail Trail?
The following are not allowed on the Rail Trail:
- e-scooters or petrol-powered bicycles
- motorcycles, trail bikes, quadbikes, cars, or similar
- all other motorised recreational vehicles
- horses without a permit
Where can I find general information about the Lismore to Bentley rail trail?
General questions about travelling on the Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail by foot, wheels or horse are answered in these FAQs.
Landholders
What if somebody comes onto my land and steals or damages some of my property?
The same laws that protect people everywhere in NSW would protect rail trail users, adjacent landowners, and property, and would be enforceable by police.
Removing existing overgrown vegetation along the rail corridor would minimise hiding places and create long-sight distances. The regular presence of rail trail users would provide passive surveillance, reducing the likelihood of crime.
My property backs onto the rail corridor. What if somebody trespasses on my land and gets injured? Am I liable?
Concerns about trespassing are a regular theme for rail trails globally. Concerns are commonly expressed during the initial phases, but trespassing is extremely rare, or non-existent, in practice. Typical rail trail users are not the type of people likely to trespass.
The rail trail is considered a public thoroughfare, like a road. The situation is treated similarly to somebody trespassing via a road, driveway, or the existing disused rail corridor. If a person trespasses on private land and hurts themselves, the landowner is not held liable unless they are shown to be negligent. The onus would be on the trespasser to prove negligence.
There are many weeds on the rail corridor. What will happen to them? How will they be stopped from spreading?
A. The corridor has been cleared of obstructing vegetation. A maintenance program for the rail trail includes weed management.
Has the Council fenced the entire corridor to separate people from stock and adjacent private lands?
This issue was assessed during design on a case-by-case basis and fencing has been installed as required.
Can landowners with paddocks on both sides of the rail corridor still transfer stock across the line now that the Rail Trail is complete?
Yes, existing farm access has been maintained. Gates and fencing have been installed to separate rail trail users from stock being moved across the corridor.
Will people dump rubbish?
There are no rubbish bins along the rail trail; visitors will be asked to dispose of their rubbish in bins at one of the public parks or the trailhead at Lismore Railway Station.
What if somebody starts a fire on the rail trail?
Given the significant amount of shrub and weed clearing often required to construct Rail Trails, they are less prone to bushfire risk. A well-maintained rail trail has the potential to act as a firebreak and would be more accessible to the Rural Fire Service should there be a fire. If a fire has been identified on the Lismore to Bentley section, please follow the standardised process outlined in the Northern Rivers Rail Trail emergency management plan.
General information
General questions about travelling on the Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail by foot, wheels or horse are answered on the official Northern Rivers Rail Trail website.