As we look ahead to 2026, there are several important factors to consider when assessing the future prospects of train services along the northern rail corridor from Armidale to the Queensland border and beyond.
1. NSW Government regional transport planning underway
The NSW Government is currently developing a Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for the New England–North West region. Transport for NSW has invited public input prior to the release of the draft plan.
Community members can make submissions or place a pin on the interactive map by using he following link or Simply Google SRITP New England:
[https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sr...](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=backstage_event...)
This process provides an important opportunity to place the future of the northern rail corridor firmly on the policy agenda.
2. Uncertainty surrounding Inland Rail completion
There remains considerable uncertainty about the full completion of the Inland Rail project, particularly in the Queensland sector. Current cost estimates have risen to around $32 billion and continue to increase. While the Federal Government has committed to the Melbourne–Parkes section, approvals beyond Parkes—especially environmental approvals in Queensland—are still being finalised.
In this context, the northern railway line from Armidale to Toowoomba should be seriously examined as a cost-effective alternative or complementary option. The rail corridor already exists, eliminating the need for costly land acquisition. Unlike the western alignment, which requires an estimated $7 billion tunnel through the Toowoomba Range, the northern corridor—approximately 30–35 metres wide—could be upgraded to Inland Rail standards or accommodate a new track.
There is also strong community support for this option.
3. Political will versus responsibility
After lodging a petition with 10,740 signatures to the NSW Legislative Assembly and the Minister for Regional Transport requesting a business case from us, rail supporters have been left puzzled by the government’s response asking the community to prepare one.
Is it not the responsibility of the NSW Government to undertake feasibility studies into projects of this scale and importance? The same government is spending approximately $80 billion on Sydney Metro projects. Surely, in collaboration with the Queensland Government, it could invest a fraction of that amount to restore the rail line from Armidale to Toowoomba and beyond.
The issue is not the absence of a business case—it is the lack of political will. While politicians often repeat the mantra that services should not depend on one’s postcode, the lived experience of people in New England and the Northern Tablelands suggests otherwise.
4. Renewable Energy Zone opportunities
New England has been designated a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), with over 30 companies currently in planning or construction stages. This represents billions of dollars in investment and a significant influx of workers into the region.
A functioning railway line would be a major asset for transporting materials, equipment, and workers, and for supporting long-term regional development linked to the clean energy transition.
5. Public transport disadvantage north of Armidale
Residents living north of Armidale to the Queensland border face serious difficulties due to the lack of reasonable public transport services. Following COVID-19, coach services between Sydney and Brisbane via New England were discontinued.
Currently, there is only one retun daily coach from Tenterfield to Armidale station, allowing onward travel to Sydney by train—a journey of around eight to ten hours. Many residents, particularly those in Glen Innes, Tenterfield, and surrounding areas, are reluctant or unable to make this trip as a result. They would prefer to travel north to Toowoomba or Brisbane, where medical and other essential services are more accessible. However, there are no train or bus services in that direction.
With limited health facilities in towns such as Glen Innes and Tenterfield, residents are forced to rely on private cars or assistance from friends and family. Despite repeated requests, the NSW Government has largely ignored this issue. This raises a fundamental question: where is transport justice for regional Australians?
6. Rail trail threat to the corridor
A major ongoing challenge for the future of rail corridor comes from two New England councils—Armidale Regional Council and Glen Innes Severn Council—which remain determined to proceed with a rail trail proposal despite previous withdrawal of government grants.
Their plans require the removal of the rail line between Armidale and Glen Innes (approximately 103 km). In 2025, Armidale Regional Council voted to allocate $500,000 of council funds, plus a further $600,000 from external sources, to undertake preliminary work for Stages 1 and 2 of the New England Rail Trail. This includes preparing an application to access and lease the rail corridor, with a target date of June 2026.
I have launched an online petition opposing the New England Rail Trail and calling for the protection of the rail corridor. Please support it here:
[https://www.change.org/SaveNorthernRa...](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=backstage_event...)
Trains North Inc, a community organisation advocating for the reopening of the northern rail line from Armidale to Toowoomba, also has two active petitions. Further details are available at:
[https://trainsnorth.org](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=backstage_event...)
7. New England Railway Inc (NERi)plans to Opearte heitage Trains North of Armidale
NERi has advanced plans for this purpose. You can get futher information or how to donate at:
[https://www.neri.org.au/copy-of-rail-...](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=backstage_event...)
8. Call for pro bono video support
We are seeking support from a video producer willing to work on a pro bono basis to tell the story of this railway line. The line has clear value for cross-border mobility, regional development, emergency supply chains during natural disasters, and national resilience in times of crisis.
The NSW Government’s continued refusal over the past three to five years to even commission a feasibility study, despite sustained community pleas, is deeply frustrating.
9. Need for mainstream media attention
We are also seeking support from mainstream media to help bring this issue to the attention of Australians and decision-makers. Hundreds of emails, letters, and submissions have produced little response. There is much more to say about the forces behind government inaction, including the influence of the trucking industry and other vested interests.
10. Expressions of interest from industry
Finally, we are seeking expressions of interest from freight companies, investors, and rail construction firms. If the private sector is willing to examine the potential of this corridor and undertake a business case, such involvement would be most welcome.
Siri Gamage
Regional Rail Advocate, Armidale, NSW
Email: siri.gamage1951@gmail.com