Community Forum by Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP in Glen Innes at 10.30am today, Bowling Club. (Saturday 16 May 2026)
Community Forum in Guyra today at 3.00pm at the Bowling Club.
As many of you know, Barnaby Joyce is the sitting Federal Member for New England. He now represents the One Nation Party, having previously been a member of the National Party.
Some of us who support the re-opening of the Northern Railway Line for passenger and freight services are planning to attend the forum this afternoon to hear Mr Joyce’s views on the transport future and our railway line in light of several important developments and concerns, including:
The growing instability in the Middle East, potential disruptions to fuel supplies and international trade, and the need for more resilient domestic transport infrastructure.
The recent Federal Government decision to withdraw support for the Inland Rail section between Parkes and Brisbane.
The commencement of community consultation by Armidale Regional Council on the proposed New England Rail Trail, together with the allocation of $2.6 million from the council budget for preliminary works through NSW Public Works. Council's commitment to proceed with planning its section of rail trail after the multi million dollar grant withdrawal in 2024.
Similar preliminary work undertaken by Glen Innes Severn Council with an allocation of approximately $170,000 from its budget. Council's commitment to proceed with planning its section of rail trail after the multi million dollar grant withdrawal in 2024.
The increasing need for a second north–south freight rail corridor in the absence of the Inland Rail connection north of Parkes, and the suitability of the Main Northern Railway Line from Werris Creek to Toowoomba and beyond for that purpose.
To the astonishment of many rail supporters across New England, the recently released Draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) states that governments are not planning to re-open the Northern Railway Line. The draft plan is currently open for submissions from residents, community groups and businesses until 14 June 2026.
The Mayors of Armidale and Glen Innes councils are using this statement in the draft plan to justify the proposed removal of the railway line between Armidale and Glen Innes in order to construct a rail trail(bike and walking trail). In contrast, Tenterfield Shire Council supports re-opening the railway north of Armidale .
At the same time, New England Railway Inc. (NERi) and the Northern Regional Railway Company (NRRC) have advanced plans to operate trains between Armidale and Llangothlin and further extension to Glen Innes . NRRC recently released a proposed timeline targeting commencement of necessary planning work in 2027.
Several proposed business developments in Guyra also support this initiative, including projects associated with the New England Innovation and Development Company and the Nucleus Project led by Mr David Peters. Both proposals involve the former abattoir site and are expected to create several hundred jobs. These are close to planned Industrial zone on the opposite side of the highway.
The questions we would like to ask Mr Joyce are:
What is the position of One Nation regarding the future use of the Main Northern Railway Line between Armidale and Queensland?
Does he support the removal of approximately 103 kilometres of rail infrastructure between Armidale and Glen Innes for a rail trail, as proposed by two councils, or does he support preserving the line for future passenger, heritage and freight rail services?
Will he and One Nation actively lobby state and federal governments to make the NSW–Queensland rail connection via New England a national priority by supporting a formal feasibility study as the first step toward reactivation?
These are important questions for the future of regional transport, economic development, freight resilience and long-term infrastructure planning in New England.
We urge elected repesentatives in the councils and parliaments as well as businesses and community organisations to send submissions to the New England Northwest SRITP befoe June 14th emphasising the need for a opeational rail connection between New England and Queensland plus a faster train to Sydney at a time when air fares to Sydney and Brisbane are unaffordable to most residents.
Link to the Draft SRITP:
https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/new-england-and-north-west