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Another definite user of the rail trail.
I live in hope it fares better than the Ballina-Lennox cycleway which was about to start around 1984 before getting lost in the political quagmire.
I have just completed the New Zealand Otago Rail Trail. It was 4 days of fabulous cycling on rail trail, over bridges and tunnels with no cars. Fantastic way to see a place. The money that the cyclist pump into the economy of townships that would otherwise have disappeared is phenomenal. Such foresight to keep the infrastructure and not sell it off the farmers who may have pulled the bridges down. If you want to see how to do a great family holiday, with cycle friendly boutique accommodation ranging from luxury to budget, great food and wine......check it out ......I wish we had something similar in QLD and northern NSW!
Build it and they will come! If the government were fair dinkum they would fully fund this project from Murwillumbah to Casino....The future tourist dollar would be immeasurable. People would come from all over the world to ride it, as they do in NZ and other places in the world that have converted old rail lines to bike paths. It is a no brainer. Years ago, the YHA/ Backpacking industry was underestimated, but now they are key driver in tourism revenue.
I once met a lady who had a vision to lobby the Federal and State governments and councils to build an off road bicycle network from Melbourne to Cooktown! The whole east coast of Australia. A mighty vision, but can you imagine what that would do for local towns, business, tourism in general....not to mention the amazing holidays families could enjoy as a healthy an athletic alternative to lying by a pool in Bali!
One stage at a time, but I would definitely holiday from Sydney in Northern NSW if this rail trail was built.
One great thing about building these rail trails....The expense is a fraction of the cost of freeways........
My family and I would use the trail a lot if it ever gets completed all the way to Casino. I live in Mullumbimby so I would have to drive to Crabbes Creek first to use the trail. If the survey asked whether I would use the trail from Mullum to Murwillumbah, I would have answered 'Yes, frequently'. What a great asset this would be.
We would both use the rail trail regularly. We've cycled the Otago Rail Trail, which we enjoyed immensely. Observing the economic benefits it has had on the small country towns that had been in decline prior to the opening of the Rail Trail.
We're sure a similar thing would happen if this proposal came to fruition.
Providing more jobs for locals and creating a wonderful trail for young and old - tourists and locals alike.
We would use it for exercise and to encourage visitors explore our beautiful region by cycling.
*nrresident.
Would you mind correcting your question with the correct grammar. I think you mean 'were' not 'where'?
Yes I would use the Rail Trail regularly if it were constructed.
Let's make it happen!
Would be very keen to use this, but given the current NSW state government's anti-cycling position. I will not be holidaying in the region any time soon.
*Please keep in mind before voting or commenting this poll is not about support, it is about usage. There is little point in this poll if people are going to vote 'Yes' or 'No' out of support and not because they would actually use it.
*Remember, I am polling usage, not support.*
I would definitely make it part of a family holiday. We recently rode the incredibly scenic Karangahake Gorge section of the Hauraki Rail Trail in NZ and everyone in the family absolutely loved it. Where the trail did pass through farmland, it was well fenced and the stock were totally unfazed by our passing through. Can't wait until NSW gets some rail trails up and running.
While I live in Sydney I would travel to use the rail trail for a holiday. It would be an incentive to tour through the area on holiday trips to Queensland rather than drive through or fly. I have recently ridden the Otago Rail Trail (which is excellent) with friends and we looking at trying some of the Victorian Rail Trails. Riding rail trails is a lot safer and enjoyable than riding on roads, even quieter country roads.
I would ride the Murwillumbah train sometimes as its a bit far from home however if the entire trail were completed I recon I'd be out there every weekend. We currently ride on bike paths around Ballina almost every weekend and can only hope the trail is completed before I'm too old to experience it. It would be great to be able to ride safely through the beautiful countryside. I would never ride on the country roads around the northern rivers- too narrow and dangerous.
Yeah, I think I would use it sometimes with my family, just as long as the arsenic and all the chemicals currently in the track bed are removed...
I would definitely travel there to ride the trail and visit the area
As a long term resident of the Tweed Valley and recently retired, I am riding and walking regularly in the valley - for exercise and social recreation. The proposed rail trail will provide a safe, scenic corridor linking rural villages and other attractions such as National Parks, for use by everyone.
Yes, I'm 67 and would love to ride the trail. There seems little hope of the rail link being restored so we may as well make use of the resource for healthy recreational purposed and see parts of our wonderful valley as we've never experienced before. Bring it on!
Yes, yes, yes! Love the feeling of riding on completely separated trails through beautiful countryside. Bring it on, and many others too! Healthy, income producing, fun family times, it's a win-win.
Build it and I will ride it!!!
Our project Outbike links up many of Victoria's rail trails over 12 days with transfers for riders and gear. But as we're based in Brisbane we're very much looking forward to development of the rail trails between Murwillumbah and Casino and the BVRT and Great Qld RT.
My wife and I have ridden on many city bike trails in Australia, we take our bikes on the back of the motorhome whenever we travel around Australia and ride where we can (limited). We have also had rides in Holland (2 weeks), Derby to York in UK (2 weeks), down the Mozelle River in Germany (2 weeks), Canal Du Midi across France (3 weeks), down the Danube (3 weeks) and other trips in France and Belgium. We carried all our gear in panniers, stayed at B&Bs, met many friendly locals and very courteous drivers and enjoyed every minute of it. We also spent our money there. We would love to do the same in our own area, the Northern Rivers of NSW, equally as beautiful as anywhere in Europe. But where would we ride? The number of trails are limited and the roads are crammed with dis-courteous drivers. I am nearly 70 and would love to ride some local rail trails before I am too old. Come on Australia, lets wake up to the health and economic benefits of rail trails the way Europeans have and get the whole trail completed from the Tweed River at Mur'Bah to the Richmond at Casino.
I applaud the conversion of disused rail trail to walking/cycling trails which are safe and off road.
I have cycled the Murray to Mountains trail in Victoria twice and it was just great, and would plan a holiday around cycling tracks.
Some people have made some ridiculous, outlandish comments, to put it politely. I see that the organiser of this poll, nrresident, has reminded all that the poll is focussed on USAGE, not whether or not you want the railway line reinstated (that will NEVER happen, by the way), or for some other reason you are against it. And rail trails can be used by walkers as well, not just cyclists. The walkers I encountered a couple of weeks ago on the Fernleigh Rail Trail in Newcastle far outnumbered the cyclists. I think once it is in place even the doubting Thomases would use it.
I am looking forward to riding the rail trail with my family. We have ridden rail trail in Victoria and NZ and the Fernleigh track in Newcastle. They are a great family experience. We choose where we visit based on the cycling tracks.
I am looking forward to ride it with my families, as long it is not maintained with carcinogenic herbicides.
I am looking forward to ride it with my families, as long it is not maintained with carcinogenic herbicides.
I would abloulutly use a rail trail if we had one. I've just returned from a trip to Tasmania which has 17 rail trails to choose from. Some of my best memories of that trip will be for sure walking the rail trails of Tasmania. Next time I go down there I must take a bike with me. I find it amazing that a small place like Tasmania has been able to build so many trails. Thus preserving the crown land so the trains can return in the future. NSW hasn't even got one rail trail. I hear Tasmania has plans to provide even more rail trails with one opening across the stunning Bass Straight water front providing walking and bike access between the towns of Wynyard and Burnie. This will be a huge boost to there tourism industry. The Northern Rivers could be enjoying the same benifits if it was just bold enough to build NSW first rail trail.
The answer is no, I would never use a rail trail.
After reading some of the comments here it seems all those who would use it are just cyclists or fitness junkies. I am 73 years old and can no longer drive, and besides from my wife driving me everywhere, I am unable to get around and often find my self ringing up my children to come pick me up. The bus services and their timetables are a disgrace, the bus trip that runs from station to station was by far the most unpleasant journey in my lifetime and the roads are shocking too! I remember back in the early 2000's when I used to catch the train to Sydney to see my family on a regular basis and before they changed the timetable I used to catch it to Byron on a frequent basis. The train was always full. If a train service was to be reinstated it would mean I could see my kids in Byron often and it would mean independence as I live quite close to the Murwillumbah railway station.
So please spare a thought as to what affect this trail really could have besides all the positive spin that has been put on it in recent times...
I have travelled to Victoria a number of times to use the rail trails there. I would welcome a rail trail closer to home and it appears to be a good use for an unused railway.
Please keep in mind before voting or commenting I am not polling support for the rail trail, I am polling possible usage numbers. Support and use are two different things.
I would use this facility often.. This is a long overdue utilisation of a facility that has been laying idle for far to long.. i believe it would be best set up to go all the way to Casino. many, many opportunities would grow from this culturally, recreationally and economically..
What a wonderfully exciting and positive use for such a rapidly deteriorating corridor in such a beautiful part of the world. I look forward to the reinvigoration of the many small villages along the way as both locals and visitors enjoy an unique walking or cycling experience. Yes I definitely will use it!
Being an active member of a bicycle touring association I always look forward trying out new cycling roads. It always gives us new possibilities in planing our itineraries.
I would definitely use this trail for bike, hike and running activities, bring it on.
I live in Brisbane and frequently go to Byron for weekends. Would love to ride sone rail trails in the region as I have done in so many parts of the world. Cycled pretty much the whole Danube Rideway through Euope and was awesome.
I agree rail should be reinstated but public money spent on the genuine interests of the public these days is like asking "scrooge' for a donation. Best grab what we can for this wasted trail. I personally moved to this area BECAUSE it had a train link to Sydney. Shortly after it was removed.
ANY USE OF IT AFTER A DECADE IS A START !
Who the hell would vote no? Even if you never ride a bike what a fantastic place to start!
John and I would use the trail as often as we could as we do not live far from Crabbes Creek. We believe such a trail would be a great benefit to all. We would invite our friends who are keen walkers to use it.
My partner and I have cycled on rail trails in Victoria and Italy in the past 3 years. It is certainly an important criteria for us when choosing our holiday destinations. The existance of well developed, interesting and well maintained cycleways highlighting the local history and natural beauty is key. Both self guided and organised guided tours would be great for tourism and the local ecconomy.
Many of my holidays now are based on visiting railtrails around Australia (and NZ). Whenever I travel for other reasons I am always looking for nearby trails to visit on a hired bike. I have also sent many friends to ride rail trails that I have previously visited. Must be one of the surest drawcards for well behaved and well heeled tourists, as well as being a boon for locals.
I would use this trail frequently if I lived nearby. However I live approx 700kms away, and would use this trail whenever I was in the area. We also live 500km from Victoria, but travel down at least twice a year to ride some of their fantastic rail trails.
John
My wife and I and many of our friends travel to Northern Victoria at least twice a year to ride the rail trails. We have spent a lot of time and money in that area. NSW is so far behind on this. Rail trails attract visitors, has little negative environment impact, it brings in money and therefore creates jobs, and revitalises many small rural communities. It is a no brainer. We who live on the NSW South Coast travel to Victoria for our holidays. Lots of money lost to our state. maybe if Packer could be convinced to build a casino at the end of the trail NSW politicians might be more interested.
I'm a rides leader and have led several rail-trail rides.
I and my Sydney and Sunshine Coast cycling friends will be pleased to revisit the Tweed, particularly if this trail goes ahead.
BIKEast - Sydney
Would LOVE LOVE LOVE the Rail Trail! Every year we go cycle touring and love cycling with many others who enjoy the Rail Trail facilities in abundance elsewhere in the world. (Just google rail trails for some great pics!) We spend money in the little towns along the way, and enjoy supporting local artists and business in this way. Bring it on!
My family and I would love to ride this Mur'bah rail trail. We've ridden rail trails in Vic and Newcastle, and would visit the art gallery etc while staying on the Tweed.
I would definitely be encouraged to get out there and ride more if there were Rail Trails in our area. I feel so unsafe riding on the roads around the Tweed, uneven edges and surfaces, too many cars coming too fast around blind bends and impolite drivers!
My husband and I, along with my 82 year old dad, look forward to riding it!
Having ridden the Otaga rail trail in NZ I'm all for it. I just hope I live long enough to see the whole thing finished whilst I'm fit enough to ride it.
I'd come to the region with my friends to ride it. After I've done that I'm going to need a soft bed, a good feed and great coffee. Any suggestions?
i would come and visit teh region to ride it. I live in Newcastle.
Research the amazing benefits the Fernleigh Track has provided my region since it was completed. https://www.railtrails.org.au/trail?view=trail&id=80
The train service was not economic in the past & perhaps those advocating its return should remember that people voted with their feet & the usage did not warrant the retention. For those who have ridden the Otago Rail Trail the benefits are obvious-injecting funds into the community while providing healthy exercise-it is low impact tourism. The original plan was for the RT to go from Murwillumbah to Casino but delayed by those whose primary response is to be negative. I believe this would be a tremendous project improving the economy with minimal environmental impact & providing healthy exercise. I certainly support the first stage & would use.
Having originally lived in Melbourne, I have experienced firsthand how amazing rail trails can be, and also how many new tourists they can bring to an otherwise sleepy region. People came from all over to ride the trails. We used to ride the Warburton trail, stop for coffee and a snack, and visit other businesses in the area. Eco-friendly tourism at its best, and a great way to boost local jobs. Given how unsafe some of our roads are for cycling here (I live in Bangalow) it would be nice to dust off my bike and have somewhere safe to ride it again.
Wow that will be awesome!!!
Cant wait to ride it with my kids.
And my Dad will come up from Sydney to ride it with us....
He'll tell all his cycling mates.
Will be a great drawcard for Green Tourism...
I just wan't to know... what about Byron Shire Council...
Lily Pilly to Mullum would get my car off the road every day!
I recently received a letter from council re a house being moved to a block next to me at Billinudgel. There were pages & pages & pages re the toxic chemicals from two old dipsites. One most of us did not know had even been there. Now, this block, high on a hill, about 1km from the dip & the other dip about 2kms away, yet had to have 11 drill sites to check on the chemicals from these 2 dips as they were in the buffer zones of the dips that are now in force. Now, what actual toxic chemical checks have actually happened for this proposed RT? Volunteers have been touted to be helping with the clearing, building, planting - so digging, playing where toxins are. Trains are the only action that can be on this line as with rail equipment repair lines with all the correct safety controls. To check all that line, sure will take a mighty long time, $$$s & effort. Tweed Hds is now a Regional City with population increases stated. Everyday we hear ref to the traffic situations starting from Chinderah to Brisbane & we sure do get an awful lot of traffic down here on the northern rivers don't we. Traffic madness just at Easter at Bluesfest 2016. The Tyagarah rail station that was damanged in a storm yrs ago, could be revamped & should be the travel tourist way - just across the road from Bluesfest! A Rail Trail on our rail corridor will not meet the oncoming tourist & everyday travel needs. One that does not take anymore valuable farm lands.
Definitely, can't wait.
I am 77 years old, ride daily with my wife who is 75 and we have cycled on trails around the world. So for anyone to suggest that Rail Trails are only for the young is obviously not interested in fitness. The Goldfields Rail Trail in NZ raises over $40M each year to the local community. It's a great idea, let's get behind it.
If the rail trail was a loop from Byron Bay to Murwillumbah it would be fabulous. However, from Crabbes Creek to Murwillumbah seems to be a bit futile. Whoever uses the trail from the south would have to drive to Crabbes Creek which seems a bit futile and would add more cars on the highway.
I will gladly never use a car again if we get the rail trail. Look forward to using a motorised bicycle as I get old.
I would have to live to be 150 to ever see the dim possibility that they will ever re-introduce old clickity-clack rail carriages back on to this multi gauge line. This is 19th century technology and anyone saying we have to maintain the tracks for that possibility are living in La La land!!!
Rail trails are a great idea but I wouldn't use it. Plus the fact that we need to keep the rail infrastructure in tact as there are many organizations/companies planning to use the line for the reinstatement of rail services into the not to distant future.
P.S. a new railway line will never happen, anyone why thinks it will needs to get a reality check
I personally would not use the rail trail and would find a train service much more usefull on the commute to Byron. Trains is a much greener alternative to road travel too!
YES, what a great idea for what is a wasted space at present. Anyone who thinks that the government is going to ever spend money to put trains back on the tracks is dreaming
Love the idea of a rail trail. It would inject so much healthy life into this beautiful region with MINIMUM disruption and turn a wasted derilect asset into something of great benefit to many. Bring it on.
Please keep in mind before voting or commenting I am not polling support for the rail trail, I am polling possible usage numbers. Support and use are two different things.
I am 78yrs old and can't even get on a bike, but I would support the rail as it would be great for younger people.
Absolute supporter of the rail trail. Keen to have for cycling!
Rail YES Trail NO
The Rail Trail will be so good.
It's the perfect idea for derelict rail lines.
It will preserve this highly valuable corridor in public hands for generations to come.
Most rail enthusiasts will embrace the historic significance, maintenance and display of our wonderful corridor and it's story, whilst holding onto it, in case our population explodes in the future.
A Rail Trail will help ensure any future train service is at least possible, if ever there is an obvious need for it.
For the foreseeable future, rebuilding a train service is definitely NOT on any government's agenda. After-all, it would have to be upgraded to at least a two way line, straighter, faster and pass through densely populated towns with a proven need for it.
Would I ride along the Rail Trail?
Most definitely !!
Just back from riding the Otago Rail trail in NZ. Great fun and our group are all over 60. Spoke to many residents along the trail and even those formerly opposed now champion it for revitalizing their villages and creating employment. Looking forward to being a regular user especially with my grandchildren.
Safe off road enjoyment in a beautiful setting
It would be a valuable asset and I can't wait to use it.
You bet I would,no cars whizzing past,beautiful countryside in our own back yard!
Brilliant way to spend quality time as a family and also a wonderful way to show our beautiful region to friends that come to visit. Yes PLEASE!!
I've ridden the Murray To The Mountains Rail Trail (around Bright Vic.) and these things are just amazing. They bring locals and tourists in and create opportunities for people to see the sights in a whole new way and to make cafes, restaurants, B&Bs and shops viable.
Would love to see this project realised at long last. I would definitely be a regular user of this trail. Locals and visitors alike could then experience the wonderful natural and man-made landscapes of the far north coast.
What a wonderful place, with stunning scenery, to have a rail trail.
I have been to Bright in the Victorian Alps on numerous occasions & I always cycle on the rail trail from Bright to Wangaratta.
A rail trail between Murwillumbah & Crabbes Creek will be a fantastic addition to the area. I would certainly make regular trips from the Gold Coast to use it.
Rail trails best thing ever for biking or walking.Of course people will use it.Me included
I would certainly use the rail trail from Crabbes Ck to Murbah. Such fabulous scenery and points of interest. A train would mainly be used to travel from point A to point B and wouldn't offer the opportunity to stop along the way. A bike and walking track is the best solution.
The rail trail provides a healthy opportunity for all ages an a great family activity. In Germany we used a path that was put over an abandoned railway line with the help of some bikes that the B&B lent us. Small cafes between the villages and the occasional sugar plum tree helped on our way. There's low key tourism potential here in the Northern Rivers to help our local economy.
The alternative idea to put the trail next to a rail line won't work because of safety issues and the fact that the many gullies and ridges precludes pleasant use for walkers and and cyclists.
Please make it happen!
I would definitely use the rail trail as would so many others.A lot of people feel that cycling on our roads are too dangerous whereas they would use the rai trails as it would provide a safe alternative.Not only would they get to experience the beauty this region offers by bike they would also be staying fit and contributing to the local economy and the best part is it would be kind to the environment.
I travel with my eleven year old son from Sydney to Victoria to ride our bicycles on their rail trails. While we're there we spend money on food, accommodation, & bicycle shops. I would quite happily travel from Sydney to Murwillumbah to do the same thing there. These train tracks & corridors are no longer suitable for modern day trains so let's turn them into something that will be used by an increasing number of people as has been the case in Victoria, New Zealand, the USA, & Europe.
Yes we would love to see the rail trail up and running, we travel to other states & NZ to experience wonderful scenery & nature via their rail trails, what a great place to have yet another one!
Yes I would use the rail trail regularly with my small children and for my own riding. Bring on the rail trail asap!! It's been 12 years since a train ran on the corridor so time to move on and get something happening before we lose the corridor completely.
The Tweed Council should be commended for showing the initiative and commitment to the proposed rail trail between Murwillumbah and Crabbes Creek. Way to go TSC!
I would definitely use this rail trail and even more so when it is extended beyond Crabbes Creek. It is an idea whose time has come. Congratulations to Tweed council for its vision!
I would love the rail trail to go ahead - it would mean a safe, accessible place to ride bikes or horses or walk on for me and my family . It would attract visitors to the area. There are indeed many lightly trafficked roads around Murwillumbah but barely any bike paths - we should make use of this great resource we have before it totally crumbles away or is sold to the adjoning private landowners making yet more of the Tweed into locked up land.
Yes i would love to walk the casino to Murwillumbah railtrail, and many times at that, it would be a great experience. . It never ceases to amaze me that some,people believe that somehow somewhere, someone will produce over $1bn to rebuild the track and build trains to run on that track, and suddenly it would be flooded with thousands of passemgers to make it pay, a train line that ran at a loss for most of its operational life. Is there a feasibility study some where that shows it would be profitable, maybe i missed it. Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, Canada, Uk and Europe and closer to home the Fernleigh Track south of Newcastle, have all shown the success in converting disused railway lines into rail trails and brought substantial benefits to the areas they run through. Bring it on, sooner the better.
I would absolutely use a rail trail there if there was one for walking and cycling but wouldn't use a train... Exercise and fresh air
Here is the definition of a 'rail trail' for those who are unfamiliar with the term. A 'rail trail' is the term used to describe a shared pathway that is usually constructed over the top of, or beside railway lines. The railway is removed and a pathway, of gravel, cement, or asphalt construction is then placed over the rail alignment. Rail trails can be used by bikes, horses and pedestrians.
We have 2 kids 8&10. Can't wait for the rail trail to happen! We love cycling as a family and walking on local trails in the parks around us in Uki.
Bring it on as soon as possible!
Geoffrey Maira Nina Aron
I would definitely use the rail trail for cycling and would use it often. I also believe many people would use it for walking. If you give folks a place to exercise, they will use it.
No I wouldn't use a rail trail on top on the tracks. I would rather have a train service on the tracks and then I would be able to ride my bike to the railway station and take it on the train.
I don't think that buses do as good a job as a rail service could. Trains are more comfortable and accessible for elderly or disabled people, and our region has a growing elderly population. we need an integrated transport system. the Buses and the increase in cars and trucks is causing a lot of damage to the roads. Local councils are backlogged with road maintenance and the only way to reduce the pressure on the roads is rail. We have a great rail corridor through the most scenic area connecting the regional towns and villages, it just needs some work.
There's hundreds of kilometres of lightly trafficked roads to ride bicycles on. I do it all the time.There will NEVER EVER be a corridor next to the highway in any reader of this posts lifetime. The NRRT is a massive con.
Yes I would travel from the south of the state to ride it. They are a great idea. In Victoria & NZ, the majority of riders are locals enjoying healthy life saving activities in a safe linear recreational reserve. The bonus is that the tracks attract outside interest from both within and outside of Australia. Bird watching, running, walking, nature tours, running events, photography opportunities and added to all that, great cycling venues. Try it you will like it.
We would use any rail trails created in the northern rivers!
Many locals are not at all happy with a rail trail. It is disappointing to see that you are accusing us of living in the distant past ...there are many reasons why a train service would be much preferred by locals and tourists alike. It is disingenuous of you to vet your votes, certainly not honest
It is necessary to give all cyclists of all ages & abilities a safe trail to ride on.
I would use the Rail Trail all the time, I think it is a great concept, as do all of the people I have discussed it with.
The rail infrastructure needs to be retinstated. A rail trail would not change the.number of tourist that frequent the area but would definately change the way that tourist got there.
I'd only use it if it was built so that the railway infrastructure could be retained or re-built within the existing corridor. Otherwise this would be a an expensive way of destroying a community asset and replacing it with my me of lesser long term value. If it is done in a way that retains the railway infrastructure, or at least allows for re-built railway corridor in future, then I'm all for it.
Most definitely. It's a great way to see some of our magnificent scenery with almost no population clutter. The small towns along the way, will love the eco tourist boost to their economies.
Can't wait for the Rail Trail.
I will use it for exercise.
Perhaps small businesses will pop up as a result of the rail trail(as has happened on other rail trails ) and create some local jobs.
Yes I would use the rail trail regularly and catch the the future train that will follow the Pacific Highway to get to either the start of trail or the finish