Friends Of New England Rail Trail AGM
Members of the SLA Transport Group went along to the Friends of New England Rail Trail AGM on 13/8/26. Rebecca Whan from the Murwillumbah Business Chamber gave an informative presentation on the experience of her towns attitudes and economic situation before and after the Northern Rivers Rail Trail was completed. She gave some great advice from the Northern Rivers experience, two that stood out was Sunday trading for local business is a must and activities for kids as the families finish their rides they seek ways to keep their kids occupied. As she finished her last words were “I don’t even know where we’d be now without the Rail Trail”. Mayor Sam Coupland gave an update on where the NE Rail Trail project stands. After a 85% in favour outcome from the community consultation, the project is now full steam ahead. In brief there is a number of legal steps that need to be fulfilled by Council before construction can commence. The Council say they will meet these requirements and be Shovel Ready by October 2027.
The Transport Group is meeting this week to discuss organising another E-Bike Expo, so we will keep you posted on developments and when a date is decided.
