New England Rail Trail (NERT) has been a project supported by two councils in New England for several years i.e. Armidale and Glen Innes. Tenterfield shire council passed a motion supporting the reinstatement of the rail line north of Armidale about a year ago.

The two councils promoting the rail or more accurately bike trail between Armidale and Glen Innes in sections lost two government grants last year. Armidale council lost 5.4m and GISC lost 8.7m. This was a major blow to the rail trail plan. Because without funding the project cannot go ahead however much the trail supporters like to see a bike trail built in the rail corridor by removing the existing rail tracks.

We, rail supporters in New England have been opposing the council plans to build a bike trail mainly because the plan requires the removal of the existing rail line north of Armidale. We have been insisting the councils to either build the bike trail on the side of the rail line retaining the rail infrastructure for future use) or build it using service roads running parallel to the rail line.

We need the railway line for future connectivity between regions especially with fast growing Queensland, better mobility for our population especially those in vulnerable groups, and to attract more visitors to the region. Community members who value the railway line and services submitted a 10740-signature petition to NSW parliament late in 2023 and it was debated in parliament in February 2024. Minister for regional transport recognised the need to have another look at the railway line again but she wants evidence-based business case. Currently Transport for NSW is in the process of seeking feedback from New England residents about their transport needs for a Strategic Integrated Regional Transport Plan for our region (SIRTP) and plans to complete it early in 2026.

There are 4650 people who oppose the NERT as evidenced by an online petition. https://www.change.org/SaveNorthernRailLine

Friends of New England Rail Trail is holding its annual general meeting in Armidale this week. The question we put to the organisers is whether they have learned anything from the withdrawal of the two grants? Whether they are prepared to listen to the community who oppose they are prepared to listen to the community who need the railway line for future train services? We like to ask the two councils and the Friends of rail trail to reflect carefully and revise their plans in such a way either we go with the community sentiment, join forces and lobby governments for a better share of investments in New England transport infrastructure or whether continue with the divisive policy and further divide the community?

We like to remind the two councils and the New England community that the plan by New England railway Inc (NERi) to repair the two diesel sets parked in Armidale shed to operate heritage trains initially between Armidale and Tamworth has the potential to attract more visitors to the region and to be supported. As the University of New England is building a campus in Tamworth, such a service can be useful for staff, students and parents. Furthermore, a train service like this can be a game changer for either city as many who seek medical services in Tamworth and beyond can use the train. (Current daily train service to Sydney is not adequate and flights to Sydney are expensive and unreliable). NERi has plans to operate heritage trains north of Armidale as well. Email: admin@neri.org.au

There is also New England Transport Plan developed by members of the community and promoted by New England Network (NEN) involving major transport modes in the region. Members of the community are encouraged to access it at and send feedback. Link: yindi.org

I hope that the New England councils and Friends of NERT will be open minded to other initiatives being floated by the community organisations and prepared to move forward by joining hands with those who propose better transport services for New England including a reinstated rail line north of Armidale!