A story of delivering value- The Lismore to Bentley of section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail project

The newly opened Lismore to Bentley section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT) exemplifies the power of creativity, sustainability and resourcefulness in overcoming the challenges of delivering a major infrastructure project in a pre-COVID funding environment.?

The Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund ($9.6 million) allocated in 2019, was central to realising the vision for this section of the trail. However, it was not until 2024 that Lismore City Council and its project partners were able to begin the work. Thanks to the dedication and focus of the team, this new section of the NRRT has been delivered on time and within budget, offering a sustainable, culturally significant and historically rich trail.?

Here's how they did it:?

1. Repurposing and recycling materials?

One of the most impressive features of the Lismore to Bentley Tail trail is the innovative way materials have been repurposed and recycled. In a project of this scale, environmental responsibility and cost efficiency go hand in hand.?

Over 1600 tonnes of steel was salvaged from the disused railway infrastructure. Not only did this provide an opportunity for recycling and re-use it also presented an opportunity for additional income. Instead of being sent to scrap, this steel was sold, and the funds reinvested.

Some original steel was kept and creatively transformed into functional historical features along the trail. A local South Lismore supplier repurposed this steel into various artefacts, including a bold new Lismore sign crafted from the reclaimed steel, giving visitors a tangible connection to the area’s railway past and a story about supporting local business.?

Heritage timber from the old bridges was reused to create benches. Repurposed railway steel was also used for seating brackets, a bike rack, and horse-hitching rails along the Rail Trail. This thoughtful design ensures the trail retains a sense of its history while remaining functional for modern users.?

2. Sustainable construction practices?

The Lismore to Bentley section was constructed with sustainability at its core. Council employed several practices to ensure the project minimised its environmental footprint.?

The trail is constructed using locally sourced compacted gravel, which is more cost-effective and sustainable than traditional materials like asphalt. This gravel can be easily maintained, reducing ongoing costs while preserving an accessible and durable pathway. Should it need to be sealed or upgraded, this can be done with relatively low expense and effort compared to other materials, ensuring the trail remains in top condition for years.?

In addition to repurposing materials, Council undertook substantial work to clear flood waste, significantly improving local drainage and further reducing future repair costs. These initiatives also enhanced the Rail Trail’s safety and long-term usability, making it more accessible to residents and visitors.?

3. Cost-effective planning and project management?

The planning and execution of the Rail Trail were carried out with careful oversight to ensure a prudent project delivery that remained true to the original vision. Despite unforeseen challenges such as COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions, which caused material costs to rise by over 50%, Council’s project management team successfully completed the Lismore to Bentley section on time and within budget.?

4. Celebrating heritage with thoughtful design?

Nineteen of the original 29 railway bridges were repaired and repurposed to preserve key heritage infrastructure. Instead of demolishing these structures, they’ve been preserved and incorporated into the Rail Trail’s design, saving project costs and allowing visitors to experience the region’s rich history.?

When old timber bridges needed replacing, they were rebuilt using new timber in the same style. This ensures that the area's historical integrity remains intact while meeting modern trail users' needs.?

By keeping these historic structures and repurposing materials, Council has ensured that the Rail Trail serves as a transportation route and a living museum that honours the local railway heritage.?

5. Maximising future opportunities?

The Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail is just one part of a larger Northern Rivers Rail Trail vision, which aims to connect Casino to Murwillumbah, spanning 132km. The funding for the Lismore to Bentley section is part of a broader, long-term plan to turn this disused railway line into a vibrant and functional regional asset.?

The $9.6 million investment in this section is just the beginning. Plans are already in motion to secure additional funding for the 20.9 km Lismore to Booyong section of the Rail Trail, ensuring that the entire route will be accessible for generations to come.?

A big thank you to our delivery partners – Hazell Bros Group O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Lismore Projects & Facilities Maintenance