CONNECT PROGRAM

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail brand is trademarked and requires written and express permission from the Northern Rivers Rail Trail for any third-party use.

Connect program members can access and download a huge range of Rail Trail marketing resources for promotional purposes to support you and your business. Assets include Connect Program brand guidelines, Marketing Tips and a Connect Program signage catalogue.

Members can also access campaign logos and images via Brandkit. If you are a Connect Program member and do not have access to please contact our team at marketing@northernriversrailtrail.com.au

The Connect program is driven by a set of ambitious goals aimed at fostering the growth and success of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. We believe in the power of community, collaboration, and sustainability to create a Rail Trail experience that surpasses expectations. Here are the key goals:

1. Develop and support a community of rail trail operators committed to growing the Northern Rivers Rail trail
2. Establish the connect framework which provides value and benefit and ensures those gaining commercial benefit from the rail trail operations fairly and equitably contribute to the ongoing trail marketing, management and maintenance
3. Collaborate with adjacent landowners to develop sustainable experiences from paddock to farm-gate
4. Provide existing local business the opportunity to connect with the rail trail and collaborate with other operators to develop products and experiences that celebrate the trail
5. Explore opportunities for any new/ start up business to fill any market gaps or areas existing business are not able to service.

We know everyone is super excited about planning group rides and other exciting opportunities on the Rail Trail. We can’t wait to host you either but our immediate focus for our small team is on opening, connecting with member councils and having safe operations and creating great guest experiences for locals and visitors.

While we progress our event management and permit requirements to efficiently, safely and legally coordinate events and large groups on the trail, it means that we will not be considering or approving organised trail events until 2025 (with the exception of the Rail Trail opening events coordinated by council).

Tweed Shire Council is responsible for the management of organised events on the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail. Richmond Valley Council is responsible for the management of organised events on the Richmond section. Once a rail trail event application process is up and running, an event permit will be required to host and run a events on the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Types of organised events include but are not limited to:

• Competitive events
• Social (non-competitive) events
• Fundraising and charitable events

Private groups (30 people or less) and individuals involved in recreational activities, other than for commercial purposes, do not need a permit. Examples include social rides, bushwalking or nature study groups, bird watching or general outdoor activities.

Groups should read the safety tips and rules, break into smaller groups for a great rail trail experience for all and book ahead at trail experiences or cafes/pubs/restaurants so they know you are coming.

For now, this approach will help us provide ample opening time to test out the new rail trail, our infrastructure and importantly to let locals and visitors enjoy the rail trail. We look forward to opening the event applications for ideas and thoughts soon.

Thanks for your understanding and please feel free to contact us to discuss rail trail events at marketing@northernriversrailtrail.com.au.