1 March 2026
Dear Train Supporters,
Today we reached the milestone of 5,000 signatures. My heartfelt thanks to every one of you.
This achievement reflects the depth of concern within the New England community and across NSW about the plans by Armidale Regional Council and Glen Innes Severn Council, together with rail trail proponents, to remove the existing rail line north of Armidale and replace it with a bike trail.
The rail line north of Armidale is a valuable public asset. Although no train services have operated for the past 34 years — largely due to a lack of commitment from successive Sydney-centric governments — this does not justify dismantling the line for what is essentially a recreational project.
Councils change. Governments change. Decisions about a strategic public asset of state and national significance should not be made without proper community consultation or a thorough assessment of long-term transport, freight, and regional development needs.
There is a strong and growing view that this rail corridor could, in the future, provide an alternative cross-border passenger and freight connection if redeveloped collaboratively by all levels of government.
Residents who have signed the petition expect civic leaders — at both council and government levels — to act responsibly, resist sectional pressures, and adopt a broader vision for the region’s growth, prosperity, and wellbeing.
We must seek common ground and advocate for better investment from the NSW and Federal Governments — investment that improves cross-border rail transport, enhances mobility between local towns, and delivers faster and more reliable rail services to Sydney.
Importantly, the choice is not simply “rail or trail.” A genuine option is Rail plus Trail — a shared or multi-use corridor model that preserves the rail infrastructure while enabling recreational use alongside it.
In its recent submission to the New England Northwest Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, Glen Innes Severn Council raised important issues and valuable questions for the NSW Government. Councils and businesses across the region deserve long-term planning certainty.
However, we are yet to see a clear public position from Armidale Regional Council regarding the transport needs of its local government area. I wrote to Mayor Coupland last week asking whether a submission had been made and requesting a copy. To date, I have received no response. On an issue as critical as regional transport, transparency is essential.
Hundreds of residents have shared their concerns about limited transport options, high airfares, unreliable flights, and the lengthy travel time of the existing train service to Sydney. In this context, pushing ahead with a costly rail trail proposal — before securing construction funding — appears premature and irresponsible.
At its October 2025 meeting, Armidale Regional Council resolved to allocate $500,000 of ratepayers’ funds, along with a further $600,000 from an external source, to undertake preliminary rail trail works and approvals in conjunction with NSW Public Works. The stated aim is to secure access to the rail corridor by June this year ahead of any construction. Yet neither council currently has confirmed funding for the full project.
Given these circumstances, I have called a meeting of train supporters to discuss our strategy moving forward.
Thursday, 5 March — 5:30pm at 295 Rusden Street, Armidale
Details will be circulated separately.
It is my sincere hope that common sense will prevail and that a compromise solution — such as Rail with Trail or another multi-use model — can be achieved. The outdated single-use approach to the corridor must give way to a more balanced, future-focused vision.
Our next target is 6,000 signatures. Please continue sharing the petition link with family, friends, workmates, and neighbours.
Together, we can ensure this vital public asset is protected for future generations.
With appreciation,
Siri