Dear Train Supporter,

In view of the fact that Armidale Regional Council mayor Sam Coupland stated this week that the council will start preliminary work such as environmental impact assessments and begin consultations with Aboriginal people about the planned rail trail(bike trail) from Armidale to Ben Lomond, we do not have time to relax and hope nothing will happen to the railway line north of Armidale.

Armidale Regional Council and for that matter Glen Innes Severn Councils are serious about wanting to prepare their applications to use the rail corridor for the New England Rail Trail by removing the rail line.

We need to discuss what further steps are necessary to be taken to convince the decision makers that this will not be in the best interest of the region as it is a  recreational project with temporary benefits.  It is far more important to focus on transport development projects with long term benefits to the region by way of creating better cross border connectivity providing better mobility options for the residents.

For this purpose we have called a meeting of train supporters on next Thursday at 5.30pm .  Address 295 Rusden St, Armidale .  Hope you can attend!