| MY COMMUNITY PROJECT |
| Congratulations to the successful My Community Projects recently announced. Lismore electorate has three funded, and although we weren’t successful this time around, NRRT’s project was voted 7th out of the 34 projects submitted for a grant!! Pretty good evidence of the support we have out there. Well done and thank you to those who took the time to vote. We’ll keep plugging away at similar grant opportunities to support the rail trail project (see below.)For a full list of projects and votes received go to https://mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au/projects |
We are in the process of applying for another grant through the Federal Stronger Communities Program. We can apply for up to $20,000 but will need matching funding if we are to succeed. If you are able to help please send a donation which will go towards this matching funding.
We would like to establish an interactive website prior to the initial construction phase of the Tweed Shire section. An interactive website will maximise the potential of the rail trail by helping the local community and visitors understand what it can bring to their lives.
The website will allow promotion of employment opportunities generated during the pre and post construction phase of the rail trail, plus opportunities for volunteering. It will also provide a platform to support new and existing business development and promotion for businesses associated with the Rail Trail and reliant on the local economy.
| Tweed Update |
| The State Government is finalising governance arrangements for the Tweed section of the rail trail prior to introducing legislation to close the rail line. A decision is expected shortly. Council’s Project team is continuing to refine the overall project assessmentand liaising with State government departments about a range of technical and operational matters. Tweed Council has continued its active engagement with landholders along the trail. A landholder forum was held in August. Landholders along the corridor were given an aerial photo of their property showing the corridor and encouraged to discuss any issues they have. The forum also shared copies of the Bio-security Risk Assessment. Landholder response was favourable and Council will continue to work with them to resolve issues. Council also held a public forum on Tweed’s Living Heritage, the main focus of which was Our Railway Heritage. Attendees heard of the rich rail heritage on the corridor and how opening the rail trail would provide access to and protection of these community assets. |
| Casino to Eltham Update |
| The Federal Government commitment of $7.5M for Casino-Bentley has been confirmed and NRRT Inc. is hoping the State Government will match these funds. This would provide for the whole Casino-Lismore section of the trail to be built. Richmond Valley Council has commenced discussions with landholders along the corridor. Information from the Tweed section has been useful in helping to address many issues and reassure landholders that there are solutions for their concerns. Many landholders are excited by the opportunities the trail will provide them. |
FUTURE ACTIVITIES
We have been invited to participate in the first ever Cow Town Chow Down Youth Festival!
Six youth from Casino have come together to create a community event where our love for food is mixed with arts, culture and music. Casino’s Colley Park will come alive with tasting plates, local produce, cooking demonstrations, craft market stalls, film screenings and live music showcasing what young people in the Richmond Valley have to offer.
Come along and say hi and join in the fun on 9th November from 2pm till 8pm.
