been nominated as a finalist in the Eco Warriors category at this year’s Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce Awards! This honour recognises our commitment to sustainability and our dedication to repurposing reclaimed timber to benefit the community and the environment. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 28th, at Ember in Byron Bay, where local businesses will be celebrated for their unique contributions to the Byron Shire.
About Off The Rails
Founded in 2015 by passionate owner and managing director Julian Simpson, Off The Rails has grown into one of the East Coast’s leading suppliers of reclaimed railway sleepers and other large timbers. Our mission is to provide sustainable timber alternatives, salvaging materials from railway lines, industrial buildings, and bridges across Australia to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly building practices.
Over the past nine years, OTR has significantly impacted the Byron Shire’s architectural landscape. We contribute annually to over 500 building and landscaping projects, supplying unique, high-quality reclaimed timber to 200+ local clients. Our materials have become a cornerstone of Byron Bay’s sustainable design movement, shaping the region’s architectural identity through projects ranging from grand new constructions to detailed restorations.
Sustainability Achievements
Since its inception, Off The Rails has reclaimed 5,000 tonnes of timber, sequestered 550 tonnes of CO₂, and prevented 350 tonnes of emissions from entering the atmosphere—equivalent to a total carbon offset of 900 tonnes. Our zero-waste approach ensures all materials are used, with offcuts repurposed into biochar, mulch, and firewood. Notably, our work on the Inland Rail Network Upgrade diverted 100 semi-trailers of timber from landfills, repurposing 31,500 railway sleepers for new projects.
Off The Rails is also proud to support community initiatives and projects. For example, we recently donated $30,000 worth of timber to the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary to support its bio-park redevelopment, strengthening our commitment to environmental sustainability and local heritage.
Regional and Industry Recognition
We are incredibly honoured by our recent awards and nominations, including the Northern Rivers Business Excellence Award for Micro Business in 2023 and consecutive nominations for Excellence in Sustainability in 2022 and 2023. These accolades and the In Business For Good award from the Byron Shire Council highlight our efforts to lead by example in sustainable building practices and contribute to a thriving, resilient community.
Looking to the Future
Off The Rails is now expanding beyond the Byron Shire, with plans to export reclaimed timbers to New Zealand, Japan, and the UK. As we grow, we remain committed to our sustainable mission, working closely with builders, architects, and local artisans to showcase the beauty and utility of reclaimed timber. Our Ewingsdale hub, known as the “Collective Hub,” brings together timber professionals to collaborate, create, and inspire eco-conscious design solutions.
Join Us in Celebration
We are incredibly proud to be part of a community that values innovation, sustainability, and heritage. As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2025, we look forward to continuing our journey, honouring the history embedded in each piece of reclaimed wood and contributing to Byron Bay’s architectural and environmental future.