Tweed Shire Council in northern NSW is calling for businesses to register their interest in joining the Rail Trail Partner Program ahead of the official opening of the 24km Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail in March.
It says Council and its tourism partner, The Tweed Tourism Company, will work with operators interested in commercial partnerships to offer guest experiences across the areas of:
- Taste (food and beverage)
- Stay (accommodation)
- Move (travel and transport options)
- Explore (education and recreation)
- Enjoy (entertainment and events).
Council Manager Destination, Communication and Customer Experience, Tiffany Stodart said adjoining landowners and businesses who want to be part of the region’s newest must-do experience should register their interest now.
“We are ready to hear from our business community, adjoining landowners and those interested in making the rail trail a great experience,” Ms Stodart said.
“The opportunities are many – cafes and coffee, ice cream and gelato, gourmet hampers and picnics, bike hire and shuttle services, education, recreation and cultural tours and so much more.”
She said the Rail Trail Partner Program provides adjoining landowners and businesses the opportunity to progress to commercial partnerships to make the most of the economic benefits of the rail trail.
The easy-to-use online form requires basic business details, what type of experience businesses are offering, and a summary as to how they will align with the trail’s values of Discovery, Connection, Freedom, and Fun.
“This call out for businesses to register their interest is aimed at attracting a wide range of operators, to ensure the rail trail provides quality guest experiences,” Ms Stodart said.
Register your interest in becoming a business partner of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail at northernriversrailtrail.com.au/register-interest-partner-program-tweed.
A new and comprehensive rail trail website is also on track to launch in early February 2023 and will provide a wide range of trail information and experiences, said Ms Stodart. The new site will replace the existing page at northernriversrailtrail.com.au.
Funding for the Tweed section was provided by the Australian Government under its Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Package Fund, and from the NSW Government under its Restart NSW fund.
