Resolutions from the Meeting of Rate Payers In Armidale Local Government Area.
Meeting with Armidale Mayor and Councillors
The resolutions from our 5 March 2026 meeting of rate payers in Armidale represent a strong and significant statement reflecting widespread community concern about the direction Armidale Regional Council is taking regarding the future use of the rail corridor north of Armidale and the use of rate payer funds for the proposed rail trail. Our online petition via change.org has more than 5000 supporters objecting to the rail trail.
A meeting is being organised with the mayor, executive staff and councillors to discuss these resolutions next week.
Resolutions sent to the Mayor,General manager and Councillors
1. Council Decision Noted
That the meeting notes the decision of Armidale Regional Council at its October 2025 meeting to proceed with preliminary works and approvals for the proposed rail trail, allocating more than $1 million for this purpose, including approximately $500,000 from Council’s own budget, and engaging NSW Public Works to undertake the work.
2. Objection to Use of Ratepayer Funds
That the meeting strongly objects to the use of ratepayer funds for the planning, construction, or maintenance of a rail trail involving removal of rail infrastructure.
3. Community Division
That the meeting notes the significant division within the community arising from Council’s continued pursuit of a rail trail proposal, despite the withdrawal of previous funding and despite a significant current opportunity for a reactivated rail line to support job-creating agribusiness development at Guyra. The meeting considers this division detrimental to community wellbeing and harmony.
4. Call for Roundtable Meeting
That the Mayor and Council be requested to convene a roundtable meeting of all stakeholders with an interest in the rail corridor between Armidale and Ben Lomond, including representatives of business, industry, freight, heritage rail, passenger rail advocates, and rail trail proponents, with the objective of identifying common ground and exploring alternatives to rail removal.
5. Recognition of Long-Term Rail Value
That Council recognise the long-term strategic value of the railway line for regional growth, economic development, and cross-border connectivity.
Further, that Council make a submission to the New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) requesting the NSW Government to extend passenger rail services to Guyra and Glen Innes as a first stage.
6. Feasibility Study and Freight Upgrade
That the NSW Government be requested to undertake a feasibility study into restoring rail services north of Armidale to the Queensland border, and to upgrade the section between Tamworth and Armidale to enable freight transport.