The Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail is officially open! This 16.3km section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail offers breathtaking rural views, repurposed railway history, and facilities for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders.

From the historic Lismore Railway Station to scenic rest areas, this trail celebrates the past while creating new opportunities for outdoor adventure and community connection.

Tune in as we explore the features of this exciting addition to the region and its impact on tourism and recreation.

Hello and welcome to today's episode. I'm excited to bring you some wonderful news that highlights the beauty, heritage, and community spirit of our region. On December 14th, 10 in the morning, the much anticipated Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail will officially open to the public.

This event marks not just the opening of a trail, but the beginning of a new chapter in celebrating our local landscape and history. Imagine embarking on a journey along a 16.3 kilometre path that Meand is true some of the most picturesque rural landscapes you can find. The trail offers a unique experience for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders alike.

It's a place where the gentle rustling of leaves accompanies your footsteps and the open skies stretch out above rolling hills and verdant fields. What makes this trail particularly special is the way it honours the past while embracing the present. The project has ingeniously repurposed original railway materials from the historic line that once connected our communities.

A talented artisan from South Lismore has infused creativity and craftsmanship into the trail by crafting beautiful installations. You'll come across a striking Lismore sign that proudly announces our town, thoughtfully designed seating where you can pause and take in the surroundings, and a custom bike rack that adds both functionality and artistic flair. As you journey along the trail, you'll find five well-apwebered rest areas.

These aren't just simple stopovers. They're spaces designed with your comfort in mind. Each rest area features shelters to provide shade on sunny days, or cover if a surprise shower passes through.

Picnic tables invite you to unpack a lunch and enjoy a meal amidst nature. For cyclists, secure bike racks off a peace of mind, and for our friends who prefer to explore on horseback, there are dedicated horse riding facilities to ensure everyone's needs are met. This opening is a significant milestone in the broader Northern Rivers Rail Trail project, an ambitious initiative that aims to create a 132km corridor connecting various towns and communities in our region.

The vision behind this project is multifaceted. It seeks to boost tourism by offering visitors a unique way to experience the natural beauty and charm of the Northern Rivers area. At the same time, it serves as a guardian of our local history, preserving the stories and legacy of the railway that played such a pivotal role in our development.

The grand opening ceremony will take place at the historic Lismore Railway Station. This location is rich with memories. The station walls have witnessed countless hellos and goodbyes, the daily bustle of commuters, and the rhythmic sounds of trains that once ran through its platforms.

Holding the event here is a nod to the heritage we cherish and a symbol of new beginnings. Local leaders and community members have expressed great enthusiasm for the project. The mayor of Lismore recently commented the Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail is more than a pathway.

It's a thread that weaves together our past and future. It's an invitation for all of us to reconnect with the land and with each other. This sentiment echoes the ideas expressed by environmentalist John Muir, who famously said, in every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

Trails like this one provide an opportunity not just for physical activity, but for mental rejuvenation and a deeper appreciation of the world around us. The inclusion of art and repurposed materials along the trail adds a unique dimension to the experience. The South Lismore Artisans work transforms ordinary functional items into pieces that tell a story.

Each installation is a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity that thrives in our community. It's reminiscent of the broader movement to blend art with public spaces, enriching daily life and sparking conversations among those who encounter it. From an economic perspective, the trail is poised to have a positive impact on the region.

Similar projects elsewhere have shown that such trails can become significant attractions. Drawing visitors who've contributed to local businesses, from cafes and restaurants to bed and breakfasts and retail shops. The Otago Central Rail Trail in New Zealand is a prime example, having revitalised local economies along its route by attracting tourists from around the globe.

Moreover, the trail promotes sustainable and healthy lifestyles. In an era where we're increasingly aware of the importance of environmental stewardship, providing spaces that encourage walking, cycling, and horseback riding is a valuable contribution to community well-being. It offers a safe environment for families, individuals, and groups to engage in physical activity while enjoying the outdoors.

The Lismore to Bentley Rail Trail also fosters a sense of community. The rest areas are envisioned as gathering spots where people can meet, share stories and build connections, whether it's cyclists exchanging tips about the best routes, families picnicking together, or horse riders sharing their experiences, these interactions strengthen the social fabric of our region. Looking back, railways were instrumental in shaping the towns and cities they connected.

They were the arteries through which goods, people, and ideas flowed, by transforming these old rail lines into trails. We honour that legacy while adapting to contemporary needs. It's a beautiful example of how we can preserve history, not just in museums or books, but in the very landscapes we inhabit.

The concept of rail trails isn't new, but it's gaining traction worldwide as communities recognise their multifaceted benefits. In the United States, the Rails to Trails Conservancy has helped convert thousands of miles of disused railways into trails. These projects have proven successful in promoting health, conservation and economic growth.

Our own Northern Rivers Rail Trail is part of this global movement, tailored to our unique environment and culture. As the opening day approaches, excitement is building. The ceremony is expected to feature speeches from project leaders, cultural performances and perhaps even guided tours along sections of the trail.

It's a family-friendly event that welcomes everyone to participate and commemorate this significant occasion. If you're contemplating how you might get involved, consider planning a visit to the trail. Whether you're an avid cyclist, eager to be among the first to ride the route, a nature lover looking to explore new paths, or someone interested in local history and art, the trail has something to offer you.

Bring along friends or family members and make a day of it. For educators, the trail presents an excellent opportunity for experiential learning. School groups can organise excursions to study ecology, history and art all in one setting.

It's an outdoor classroom that brings textbooks to life and inspires curiosity in young minds. The trail also holds potential for future events, think community fun runs, cycling competitions. Or art walks showcasing local talent.

It's a versatile space that can adapt to various activities, further embedding it into the life of the community. In the words of the renowned poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. While Emerson spoke metaphorically, the creation of the Lizmore to Bentley rail trail embodies this spirit, we're forging new paths both literally and figuratively that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

As we wrap up today's episode, I want to encourage each of you to take the opportunity to experience the trail firsthand. It's more than just a physical journey, it's an engagement with the stories, landscapes and people that make our region special. By supporting initiatives like this, we're investing in the cultural and environmental wealth of our community.

Be sure to mark your calendars for December 14th at 10 in the morning at the Lizmore railway station. Let's come together to celebrate this wonderful addition to our region. And if you can't make it on opening day, remember that the trail will be there waiting for you whenever you're ready to explore.

Thank you for joining me today. Stay tuned for more updates and stories about our local community. Don't forget to subscribe so you won't miss out on future episodes.

Until next time, get out there and embrace the beauty and heritage that surrounds us.