08/09/2016
***INDECISION ON RAIL TRAIL BY GREENS FATAL FOR BYRON SHIRE***
The ongoing indecision by the Greens on a world-class tourism project could end up costing the Byron Shire millions of dollars in revenue and hundreds of jobs.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association (NRRT) have both publicly slammed Greens Mayor Simon Richardson’s non-commitment to the initiative.
Cr Richardson, along with Greens councilors Basil Cameron and Duncan Dey, voted against a motion to progress discussions with the Tweed Shire Council to extend their rail trail project through to Billinudgel.
The RDA today issued a press release saying the Byron leg of the corridor will likely be sold off if not used, while the NRRT has written to the Mayor pulling their support to work with the Shire because of a backflip to a previous commitment supporting the initiative.
Byron Shire Mayoral candidate Alan Hunter says the Greens are once again displaying their inability to grasp big picture projects and work for the best outcomes for the Shire.
“This is a window of opportunity that will soon be lost if we don't act now and work with neighbouring councils to deliver a low impact, environmentally friendly proposal that will generate many new jobs,” Cr Hunter says.
“We’ve been procrastinating for far too long with short-sighted proposals such as putting trains back on tracks, however this is just not an option given the cost and ongoing maintenance.
“If elected Mayor I will immediately reopen dialogue with both the NRRT and the RDA to ensure we become an integral part of the project.”
The reported cost by engineering firm Arup to fix the existing track infrastructure to accommodate trains in the Shire is $950 million for the 136-kilometre stretch.
It will also cost tens-of-millions more each year to run it, not including the capital costs of diesel engines and carriages.
Cr Hunter says both the State and Federal Governments have indicated they support the Rail Trail as an appropriate use of the disused corridor.
“Our neighbouring Councils are in full support including the Tweed Council who have an application for $13 million to fund the northern section,” Cr Hunter says.
“Byron Shire is the only one holding it up, along with the opportunity to bring some much needed funds into the Shire’s coffers to help fix things like roads and provide better sports fields.
“The RDA says if the Rail Trail does not proceed it is likely the corridor will be sold off - depriving the region of the opportunity to have one of the best Rail Trails in the world.
“For the sake of good governance Byron Shire residents need to consider their vote this Saturday very carefully, as a vote for the Greens means more indecision, more delay, and more lost opportunity for projects like the rail corridor.”
