New England /Northern Railway - Future Prospects.'

We currently know the following:

Both Armidale Regional Council and Glen Innes Severn Council are seeking to remove the rail line and develop a rail trail, subject to NSW Government approval. At present, both councils have allocated funding to undertake preliminary works in collaboration with NSW Public Works. Their intention is to submit fresh applications for approval and secure access to the rail corridor through a proposed 30-year lease.

At the same time, the NSW Government, through Transport for NSW, is developing the New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for the next 20 years. TfNSW has been calling on residents to provide submissions before releasing a draft plan for further comment. Once finalised (expected by the end of this year), this plan will guide future government investment in transport across the region.

Despite repeated requests, Armidale Regional Council does not appear to be actively engaging in this planning process by submitting a comprehensive statement of the region’s transport needs. In contrast, Glen Innes Severn Council has made a submission, with its Mayor requesting that the NSW Government clarify its position on the future of the rail line.

New England Railway Inc. (NERi) is progressing plans to operate heritage train services from Armidale to Llangothlin as an initial step. The organisation conducted a survey of the railway line and its condition in 2024, and a summary of cost estimates is available via the Northern Regional Railway Company website. Those interested in volunteering or contributing can find more information at: https://www.neri.org.au/contact

Trains North continues its campaign to reopen the rail line through multiple initiatives. The group recently held its AGM, electing Matthew Tierney as President and Caroline Chapman as Secretary for another year. Trains North also has two active petitions—further details are available at: https://www.trainsnorth.org.au/contact

I also maintain several Facebook pages and groups to promote the reopening of the railway line from Armidale to Queensland, including: Trains Back to Guyra and Glen Innes, Trains Back to Tenterfield and Wallangara, Glen Innes Needs Trains, Tenterfield Needs Trains, New England Railway Futures, and Trains North of Uralla. You are welcome to join and contribute.

Support from our local MPs has been limited. I encourage community members to write to them, express their views, and request meetings to better understand their position and advocate for stronger support.

The recent fuel crisis has once again highlighted the need for governments and councils to work together and reinvest in regional rail infrastructure. Ideally, rail services should transition to electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind. In the meantime, even diesel-powered trains remain highly efficient—one freight train can carry the equivalent of more than 50 truckloads. Rail is best suited for long-distance freight, while trucks are more appropriate for shorter distances.

However, governments—particularly those focused on Sydney and Canberra—continue to prioritise short-term fixes over long-term, sustainable solutions.

Recent budget estimates also raise concerns. While $1.25 billion is reportedly allocated to regional NSW transport, the broader 2025–26 NSW Budget commits significantly larger funding to major metropolitan projects such as Sydney Metro West and the Western Sydney Airport Metro, along with expanded bus services and regional road upgrades. This raises an important question: is regional NSW receiving a fair share?

As the next election approaches, it is important for communities in our region to stay informed and engaged when metropolitan-based politicians seek local support.

Please sign my petition that opposes the council plans for a rail trail to show you rather want the rail line restored for trains.

https://www.change.org/SaveNorthernRailLine

Have a good day!

Siri Gamage
Armidale