Muller Enterprise has successfully completed an independent Economic Impact Assessment for the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail (NRRT), revealing outstanding economic results that far exceed original forecasts and validating the strategic investment in regional tourism infrastructure.
Project Overview
Commissioned by Tweed Shire Council and the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation, the Economic Impact Assessment Report by Muller Enterprise analysed the benefits of the Rail Trail to the Tweed since opening on 1 March 2023. This comprehensive assessment provided crucial evidence of the trail’s performance against original business case projections and identified opportunities for ongoing economic optimisation.
Exceptional Economic Performance
The assessment revealed remarkable economic impacts that substantially exceeded expectations:
Visitor Spending Growth: The Tweed section has attracted significant visitor spending, driving a 15.7% average increase in monthly spend compared to the previous year and stimulated growth in unique visitors (+23% year-over-year) and visitor transactions (+19% year-over-year).
Revenue Projections Exceeded: The total value of visitor spend has increased by $3.717 million compared to the previous year. This far exceeds the anticipated boost of $2.45 million that was forecast.
Long-term Economic Outlook: The local economy should expect an additional $114.3 million in visitor expenditure flowing into the Tweed LGA over the term of the rail corridor lease (30 years) – representing a 54% increase over the originally anticipated boost to the local visitor economy.
Comprehensive Business Impact Analysis
Muller Enterprise’s assessment extended beyond visitor numbers to analyse real business outcomes across the region. Businesses along the trail reported increased visibility, foot traffic and in many cases, higher revenues in both Murwillumbah and less-frequented hinterland villages.
The study identified both opportunities and challenges, including shifts in the competitive landscape, inadequate parking in some areas and the need for more trail amenities, whilst highlighting opportunities for businesses to leverage the NRRT Business Connect Program and adapt offerings to cater for diverse trail user preferences.
Strategic Foundation for Future Expansion
This economic impact assessment builds upon Muller Enterprise’s earlier work develop a comprehensive business case for rail trail completion across the Northern Rivers region (addressing the sections between Crabbes Creek and Lismore – see here) . The firm’s expertise in NSW Government Treasury Policy requirements enabled the development of robust business cases for extending the trail from Crabbes Creek to Lismore, providing the strategic foundation for the rail trail’s continued development.
The success of the Tweed section, as demonstrated by Muller Enterprise’s assessment, provides compelling evidence for continued investment in the remaining trail sections, supporting the completion of the 130km trail network connecting Casino, Lismore, Byron Bay and Murwillumbah.
Recognition and Awards
The Northern Rivers Rail Trail’s success has gained national recognition, with the Rail Trail recently earning Tripadvisor’s coveted Travellers’ Choice Award, ranking it in the top 10% of attractions worldwide. Since opening, more than 165,000 users have visited the Tweed section of the NRRT.
Strategic Consulting Excellence
This project demonstrates Muller Enterprise’s capability in delivering sophisticated economic analysis that meets government requirements whilst providing practical insights for regional development. The assessment methodology combined quantitative analysis of visitor spending patterns with qualitative research into business impacts, creating a comprehensive evidence base for ongoing strategic decision-making.
The success of the economic impact assessment reinforces Muller Enterprise’s position as a leading consultant in regional tourism development, infrastructure investment analysis, and economic impact measurement.