Rail services north of Armidale to the Queensland border stopped over 34 years ago. Since then, this vital corridor has been left to deteriorate. The coach service to Brisbane ended during COVID and never returned—leaving residents, especially non-drivers, with no viable option to travel north for medical, family, or business reasons. Driving or flying are the only choices, but neither is accessible or affordable for many in the New England region.

Despite spending billions on Sydney’s transport infrastructure, the NSW Government has neglected this crucial link in northern NSW. Communities such as Guyra, Glen Innes, Deepwater, Tenterfield, and Wallangarra continue to suffer from this lack of connectivity.

In early 2024, we submitted a petition to the NSW Parliament seeking the return of passenger rail to Jennings/Wallangarra. The Minister for Regional Transport, Hon. Jenny Aitchison, invited us to present a business case—but we lack the $200,000–$500,000 needed for professional consultants.

At the same time, two local councils are pushing for a 103km rail trail between Armidale and Glen Innes, which would require removing the last remaining rail corridor to Queensland.

We’re seeking:

Transport consultants to help develop a peliminary business case

Rail Construction companies to undertake feasibility study

Private investors for potential PPP partnerships

Community supporters who want to see regional rail revived

Media to lend a hand by publicising the details of our case

📢 Sign & share the petition: change.org/SaveNorthernRailLine

This is about justice, equity, and opportunity—for New England, the Northern Tablelands, and southern Queensland. Join us and be part of the movement to restore this vital railway.