It was a momentous day in the history of the Rail Trail saga in New England when common sense prevailed over the council's efforts to railroad a decision at short notice.  6 Councillors concerned about the rush and potential liabilities decided that it was time to amend the motion before the council supported by 5 Councillors including the mayor and seek "a delay in the construction of rail trail as proposed until a comprehensive report is brought to the council on the total cost to council and full NERT project".  This step was taken in front of  and overflowing and sometimes noisy audience in Council Chambers.

Amended motion also seeks the council to underttake urgent discussions with our MPs to find a way for repurposing the $5.4 million fund allocated to the rail trail for priority community projects as determined by the council.

General manager will not be given authority to sign any documents relating to the rail trail until the above taie place.

Our speakers from Trains North argued that the current rail trail plan is short sighted and in view of the problems that Inland rail project is facing north of Parkes, northern rail line is again in the spotlight.  Our Council should be adovating for the preservation and further development of northern rail line for public transport,heritage trains and freight rather than pushing a rail trail that will see the removal of rail infrastructure and transfer of rail corridor lease for 30 years.  A cost shifting exercise by the NSW government.

The most concerning aspect of the plan was the proposal to spend $5.4 milion on a 9 KM section of the rail trail from Armidale station to Dumaresq. This means nearly a half million for each 1  Km. With this sort of money, Council can even rebuild the rail line.  Secondly, apart from the annual operational costs amounting to more than $100,000 to the council, the plan included taxing rate payers another $1.8 million as a co-payment for a grant the council has already applied in january 2024. Perhaps most councillors came to know about such decisions taken prior to the council meeting only when the agenda papers were released at the end of last week? 

There has not been much transparency about the way the Council has been progressing this project until the meeting agenda papers came out. Even community consultation was poor thus far about such an important plan with consequences for the future of our region.  Our council should propose projects that binds community together.  In the case of rail trail, community is divided.  It is not good for human well being.

There are many places that the council can build a bike track.  In fact we welcome if the council builds more bike and walking tracks in our town and broader region. Council's Strategic plan for the next 20 years includes such new cycle tracks conecting proposed housing zones.  However, this should not be at the expense of a public asset like the northern rail line that can be revitalised to operate trains in an ever challenging regional and global enviornment.  We need the security and  sustainability of our supply lines and move freight from trucks to rail as a step to reduce congestion, carbon emissions and accidents on roads.