Dear all,
Here in Armidale, NSW, we’re fortunate to have a daily train service connecting us to Tamworth, Werris Creek, Maitland, Hornsby, and Sydney. Many residents from smaller towns and villages rely on this service for essential travel.
But what about the people who live further north— in places like Guyra, Glen Innes, Deepwater, Tenterfield, and Wallangarra near the Queensland border?
Until the late 1980s, these communities had regular train services. For over 34 years, they've been denied that same basic public transport access. Today, there is only one daily coach from Tenterfield that connects with the Sydney train via Armidale. For someone traveling from Tenterfield to Sydney, the trip can take up to 11 hours—an exhausting and impractical option for many.
Why hasn’t the NSW Government provided more equitable solutions?
Wouldn’t it make more sense to introduce direct coach connections northward to Queensland, which is much closer for these communities?
🚫 One train a day from Armidale to Sydney is not enough.
✈️ Flights are expensive and often unreliable.
🏥 People need public transport to access health services in Toowoomba, Newcastle, and Sydney.
Our political leaders often say that your postcode shouldn’t determine your access to essential services. But when it comes to public transport in rural and regional areas, actions rarely match those words. Residents are tired of endless “planning stages” with no meaningful results. What’s missing is political will.
📣 In response to growing community frustration, I launched a petition calling for the restoration of passenger rail from Armidale to the Queensland border. Please support this cause by clicking the link, signing, and sharing it with your friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues:
Finally, I welcome support and advice from any transport planners, consultants, or professionals who care about equity and wellbeing for regional Australians—who deserve the same access and dignity as those in cities.
Let’s work together to ensure no one is left behind.