A new 13.4 kilometre section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail - running along the Richmond Valley between the Northern NSW towns of Casino and Bentley - is now open, attracting cyclists and walkers.
Officially opened on 23rd March at the Old Casino Railway Station, the expansion means that 37.4 kilometres of the planned 132 kilometre trail has now been completed with construction of its next section - from Lismore to Bentley - now underway.
The importance of the trail was evidenced by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg joined being joined by Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry and Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow at the opening event.
With the Tweed section of the trail already exceeding expectations, drawing in over 14,000 visitors each month, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is seen as being an important driver of regional tourism.
Lismore City Council is encouraging local businesses to make the most of opportunities that the rail trail provides, urging local businesses to gear up for visitor arrivals and ensure the delivery of high-quality experiences.
Earlier this month, the Council hosted a workshop designed to guide local operators on ways to capitalise on the potential marketing and sales opportunities the trail will provide.
Emphasising the workshop’s significance as part of a series designed to equip local businesses with insights into the diverse demographics of rail trail users and their preferred visitor experiences, Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg stated “the Lismore to Bentley section promises to substantially benefit the entire community by providing a fun and safe accessible pathway for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and people using mobility aids to enjoy and connect to our natural environment, as well as more job opportunities.”
The project received $7.5 million in funding through the Australian Government's National Tourism Icons Program - administered by Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
Images: User on the Casino to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (top), (middle, from left) Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry, Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow and Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg at the opening and the trail from the air (below). Credit: Lismore City Council.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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