A State-funded study linking Lennox Head and Byron Bay has revived a bold vision for an interconnected Northern Rivers e-bike network.

Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader says the region has an opportunity to become one of Australia’s leading e-bike and active tourism destinations, welcoming NSW Government funding for a feasibility study into a shared pathway linking Lennox Head and Byron Bay.

The NSW Government has awarded Ballina Shire Council $173,000 under its Get NSW Active program to investigate route options and undertake environmental and engineering assessments for a proposed 19.7-kilometre shared pathway between Lennox Head and Byron Bay.

While the funding is only for the feasibility study, Cr Cadwallader said the project potentially linking Ballina and Byron shires represented an important step towards creating a connected network of shared pathways stretching across the Northern Rivers.

She believes the region is perfectly positioned to capitalise on the rapid growth of e-bike tourism and changing travel patterns, particularly among active Baby Boomers and Gen X travellers looking for immersive outdoor experiences.

“The Northern Rivers has everything people are looking for – spectacular beaches, beautiful hinterland, welcoming villages and an incredible lifestyle,” she said.

“If we can connect those experiences through a network of shared pathways, we’re creating another compelling reason for visitors to stay longer, spend more and explore more of our region.”

Cr Cadwallader said the rise of e-bikes had been a “game changer” unforeseen when the Casino to Murwillumbah rail trail was first mooted following the axing of train services.

“They’ve fundamentally changed what’s possible,” she said.

“With e-bikes now, topography is no longer the barrier it once was. Hills that discouraged many people from cycling are now achievable for people of all ages and abilities.

“Shared pathways are no longer simply recreational infrastructure. They are becoming an important transport option while also supporting tourism, local businesses and healthier lifestyles.”

A vision beyond Ballina

The Mayor said the strategy built naturally on another long-term regional vision she had championed during her decades in local government and previously as regional manager of Business NSW – positioning Ballina Byron Gateway Airport as the gateway to the Northern Rivers.

“The airport strategy helped bring more visitors into our region. The next challenge is giving them new ways to experience everything the Northern Rivers has to offer once they arrive.

“E-bike tourism is one of the fastest-growing visitor sectors around the world. We have an opportunity to position the Northern Rivers as a destination where people can safely explore our coastline, villages and hinterland without relying solely on their cars.”

Closing the missing link

Cr Cadwallader said the Lennox Head-Byron Bay connection had been a long-term ambition she had championed alongside former Byron Shire Mayor Michael Lyon.

“This funding is an important milestone because it allows the detailed planning work to begin. Before you can build something of this scale, you need to identify the best route and properly assess the environmental and engineering considerations.”

Above:  A map of the rail trail planned for the former Casino to Murwillumbah branch line.  Main photo:  Mayor Cadwallader at the recently completed shared pathway on Byron Street at Lennox Head, funded by Ballina Shire Council.  This will form part of the the eventual link through to Byron Bay.

Ballina Shire Council has already completed the first stage of the future corridor by constructing the shared pathway from Lennox Head village to the Ross Lane roundabout.

The feasibility study is expected to investigate options for extending the pathway from Ross Lane to Suffolk Park, with the Coast Road corridor likely to be among the preferred alignments because it balances rider experience, environmental protection and construction costs.

Cr Cadwallader said she hoped the project would eventually become another link in a broader Northern Rivers network connecting Ballina, Byron Bay, the Tweed, Alstonville, Lismore and Casino.

“We’ve already seen the success of the Tweed Valley Rail Trail. It exceeded expectations and demonstrated how popular cycling tourism has become.

“People travel specifically to experience these trails. They stay in our accommodation, eat in our cafes, shop in our businesses and contribute to local economies.

“This is about much more than building another bike path. It’s about investing in the long-term future of the Northern Rivers.”

Building a Northern Rivers network

The announcement comes as supporters continue campaigning for the former Casino to Murwillumbah railway corridor to eventually be completed as a continuous rail trail.

Following the success of the Tweed Valley Rail Trail, advocates remain hopeful the Federal Government will reconsider funding to extend the trail south from Crabbes Creek through Billinudgel to Mullumbimby as the next stage of the project, with the longer-term vision of reconnecting communities across the Northern Rivers.

Cr Cadwallader said every new section of shared pathway strengthened the case for the next.

“These projects aren’t stand-alone investments.

“They become increasingly valuable as they connect together. Every missing link we complete makes the entire network stronger and creates greater economic opportunities throughout the Northern Rivers.”

The feasibility study will investigate route options, environmental constraints and engineering requirements before any future funding applications for construction are considered.

Investing for the future

Cr Cadwallader acknowledged shared pathways often attracted criticism at a time when some regional councils were still battling potholes and ageing road networks, a debate reignited following Ballina Shire Council’s recent endorsement of the preferred route for the Alstonville-West Ballina shared pathway.

She said the concerns were understandable, but argued councils across the Northern Rivers could not afford to ignore dedicated State and Federal funding aimed at improving active transport, public health and regional tourism.

“I understand why people ask those questions, but this funding isn’t coming out of the road maintenance budget,” she said.

“These grants exist to encourage projects that strengthen tourism, improve health outcomes and provide alternative transport options. If we don’t apply for them, another region will.

“It would be remiss of us, as elected representatives, not to secure our share of that investment for the Northern Rivers.”

Cr Cadwallader said history showed long-term infrastructure projects often faced scepticism before proving their worth.

“The expansion of Ballina Byron Gateway Airport had its critics too, but time has shown what a transformational investment it has been for the whole Northern Rivers.

“I believe an interconnected network of shared pathways has the potential to become another of those defining regional projects,” Cr Cadwallader said.