The proposed rail trail between Armidale and Glen Innes (103 km) should not be included in the Regional Transport Plan in its current form.
 
Instead, this corridor should be protected and prioritised for the return of rail services.
 
The Real Issue: Transport Deficit
 
Communities across Armidale, Guyra and Glen Innes face:
Limited public transport
Long distances to services
Heavy reliance on cars
Poor access for young, elderly and vulnerable residents
A rail service extension to Glen Innes would directly address this.
 
Removing Rail can have far reaching effects for the future viability of rail line.
 
Once the rail line is removed:

Rebuilding could cost $100M–$500M+
The corridor may never return to rail
Future freight and passenger opportunities are lost
This is a one-way decision with long-term consequences.
The “2–3× Cost” Claim Doesn’t Stack Up
Claims that keeping rail and adding a trail costs “2–3× more” ignore the bigger picture:
 
Trail projects alone can cost up to $1M+ per km (e.g. Northern Rivers Rail Trail)
Rebuilding rail later is far more expensive than preserving it now

Shared “rail-with-trail” corridors are used worldwide and are cost-effective over time
This is about smart long-term investment, not short-term savings.
 
Rail Has Far Greater Value.
 
Rail delivers:
Real transport for residents
Freight and logistics capability
Lower emissions
Economic growth and regional connectivity
 
Rail trails deliver:

Mainly recreational use
Seasonal tourism
Limited transport benefit
Both can coexist—but rail must not be sacrificed.

The Community Wants Solutions, Not Division

Many residents oppose removing the rail line and want:
The corridor preserved
Practical solutions that serve everyone
A shared approach (rail + trail where possible)
This is about working together, not locking in irreversible decisions.
 
A Better Way Forward
 
We call on Amidale and Glen Innes Councils plus Transport for NSW to:
Protect the corridor as a strategic rail asset
Prioritise rail restoration to Glen Innes
Investigate a rail-with-trail option

This region doesn’t just need recreation.
 
It needs real transport solutions.
 
Keep the rail. Plan for the future. Don’t remove what we can’t afford to rebuild.

Important: If you have not uploaded a submission or dropped a pin in the inteactive map of tfnsw website concerning New england Nothwest regional Integated Transport plan please do so immediately as the closing day may come soon.  

https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/new-england-and-north-west