Byron Shire Rail Corridor

Byron Shire Rail corridor at Bangalow from the AandI Hall.JPG

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is being constructed in stages across four Local Government Areas.

In the Byron Shire we are: 

  • Investigating options for the 31 kms from Yelgun to Bangalow and west to the Byron Shire border. 
  • Exploring funding opportunities to reactivate the Byron Shire rail corridor.

A feasibility study for the 63 kms section between Yelgun and Eltham is currently underway.

The Northern Rivers Joint Organisation has received $481,115 in funding from the Regional NSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund to conduct this study, which will be delivered in late 2023.

Funding

We have been working with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Department of Regional NSW to identify funding opportunities to develop the Byron Shire rail corridor.

A key constraint to undertaking a condition assessment of the rail infrastructure is the heavy vegetation growing on and off the embankment. 

In November 2022, we were granted access by TfNSW to undertake essential vegetation management. This will enable a detailed engineering assessment of the existing rail infrastructure. 

We are seeking funding from both State and Federal Government for these activities. 

In late 2016, a Council Mayoral Minute supported an investigation into the feasibility of reactivating the rail corridor from Bangalow to Yelgun. 

The study included:

  • Engineering Assessment
  • Economic Impact Assessment
  • Social Impact Assessment.

The study concluded that there is community support and positive economic impacts for the reactivation of the rail corridor from Bangalow to Yelgun. 

Engineering assessment 

The engineering assessment highlighted that the corridor:

  • is in ‘reasonable’ condition 
  • has the capacity to support very light rail vehicles (less than 10 tonne axles or less, at speeds equal to or less than 60 kms per hour).

The final report was noted by Councillors in the of 27 June 2019 Council meeting.

View all the reports in the library. 

2016 

  • Mayoral Minute supported an investigation into the feasibility of reactivating the rail corridor from Bangalow to Yelgun.
  • Council engaged Arcadis Australia Pacific Pty Ltd to undertake a feasibility study.  

September 2019

Neighbouring councils met to discuss reactivating the missing links in the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

November 2019

Meeting with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to discuss key issues with reactivating the rail corridor.

February 2020

Meeting with NSW Government to discuss our desire to establish a rail link. Two key areas that require further investigation:

  1. The government was in the process of changing the legislation to close the rail corridor.
  2. There is currently no funding available for a Rail with Trail. Byron Shire Council would need to provide a robust business case to secure funding should it be available.

March 2020

Council resolved to undertake detailed investigative works. Funding not available. 

September 2020

  • Structural assessment of the rail infrastructure between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay. 
  • This trial used point cloud scanning technology to assess the bridge/s capacity to deliver the required level of service.
  • A key constraint to undertaking the condition assessment of the rail infrastructure is the heavy vegetation growing on and off the embankment. 

November 2020

Movement and place workshop with Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and Department of Regional NSW. 

March 2021 

Movement and Place workshop with TfNSW and Department of Regional NSW to identify options for both the rail and road corridors. 

November 2022 

Council given access to undertake essential vegetation management. This will allow detailed engineering assessment of the existing rail infrastructure. Subject to funding. 

May 2023 

Councillors and staff continue to explore funding opportunities.  

Northern Rivers Rail Trail map

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail is being constructed in stages across four Local Government Areas:

  1. Tweed Shire - 24kms - Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek was opened on 1 March 2023
  2. Richmond Valley - 13kms - Casino to Bentley is under construction with opening scheduled for mid 2023
  3. Lismore - 32kms - Bentley to Eltham is in the design phase with construction to begin late 2023
  4. Byron Shire - 31kms - Yelgun to Bangalow not yet funded

A feasibility study is underway on the 63kms section between Yelgun and Eltham.

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