Design Fault in the Armidale Regional Council Rail Trail Plan?
In his interview with ABC Radio New England Northwest on 30th July 2026, Siri Gamage, Regional Rail Advocate questions the council for not addressing community concerns:
Q. Why it is necessary to remove the existing rail line from Armidale to Ben Lomond?
Q. What will be the cost of removal and replacement?
Q. Arent there other suitable places to build a bike and walking trail at lower cost and still get tourism benefits?
Q. Has the council investigated with credible costings rail plus trail option before deciding to remove the rail line to build a rail trail(bike and walking path in the rail corridor)?
Siri has gathered close to 5500 signatures for this petition opposing the current rail trail plan and wants Mayor Coupland to listen to the voices of people in the LG area and change course rather than relying on bike riding tribe outside the LG area to show community support .
There are about 13200 rate payers in the Armidale Council area and 396 submissions supporting the rail trail to the council is only a fraction of this number?
Councillors need to exercise caution in the August meeting on 26th when considering the current plan and ask the staff to go back to the drawing board and get cost estimates for rail plus trail option.
If you like the recording of interview, please contact Siri by email: siri.gamage1951@gmail.com or send a message to Face Book messenger with your email address.
If you have not signed the petition, please do so ASAP.