Funding required to complete stage 2 of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail - Bentley to Eltham section
Petitioner:
Ms Glenys Ritchie
| Member:
Saffin, Janelle
| No. of Signatories:
2,145
| Date closed:
05/01/2021
To the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly,
The Northern Rivers of NSW is to witness the construction of the first stage (24kms) of a 134km World Class Casino to Murwillumbah Rail Trail this year. Funding is now required to continue this highly acclaimed project which repurposes the disused railway into a walking and cycling community trail.
In 2019 the Federal Government committed full funding of $7.5million for the construction of part of stage 2, 13.4kms of the rail trail from Casino to Bentley. The NSW Government has yet to act. We call upon the NSW Government to develop a funding package for the completion of Stage 2 - Bentley to Eltham (32 kms)
Recently, legislation was passed in this house to close the Casino to Murwillumbah rail corridor from Casino to Bentley. It is only logical to continue this great project by funding the rest of this section that is outlined in the comprehensive Casino to Eltham Rail Trail Business Case.
Completing the 45 km stage from Casino to Eltham section will provide maximum returns, in job creation, small business development, increased tourism, environmental sustainability and health benefits to all who use it. The Benefit Cost Ratio is estimated to by at least 1.66 – an efficient use of government funds.
We call on the NSW Government to fund this section of the project now and to work with stakeholders including Lismore City Council to ensure the continued success of this long awaited Rail Trail project.
