Recent floods in mid north coast, closure of the Pacific Highway and the diversion of traffic via New England highway causing significant damage show us in no uncertain terms that the governments need to plan for future transport needs in New England region with a broader perspective in a wholistic way. Continued insistsnce by two councils in New England and Friends of New England Rail Trail that they want to remove the rail line north of Armidale between Armidale and Glen Innes(103kms) to build a rail trail is highly concerning as frequent natural disasters are causing distruptions to existing transport modes and their adverse impact on civilian life and supply chains.
New England Rail Trail (NERT) has been a project supported by two councils in New England for several years i.e. Armidale and Glen Innes. Tenterfield shire council passed a motion supporting the reinstatement of the rail line north of Armidale about a year ago.
The two councils promoting the rail or more accurately bike trail between Armidale and Glen Innes in sections lost two government grants last year. Armidale council lost 5.4m and GISC lost 8.7m. This was a major blow to the rail trail campaign. Without funding, the project cannot go ahead however much the trail supporters like to see a bike trail built in the rail corridor by removing the existing rail tracks.
Rail supporters in New England have been opposing the two council plans to build a bike trail mainly because the plan requires the removal of the existing rail line north of Armidale. We have been insisting the councils to either build the bike trail on the side of the existing rail line while retaining the rail infrastructure for future use or build it using service roads running parallel to the rail line.
We need the railway line for future connectivity between regions especially with fast growing Queensland, better mobility for our population especially those in vulnerable groups, and to attract more visitors to the region. Community members who value the railway line and services submitted a 10740-signature petition to NSW parliament late in 2023 and it was debated in parliament in February 2024. Minister for regional transport recognised the need to have another look at the railway line again but she wants an evidence-based business case. Who is going to fund such a business case is the million dollar question? Without an independent feasibility study this cannot be done. All 3 councils in New England should be insisting the NSW government to provide the funding to undertake a feasibility study so that we all can understand the benefits and costs of reinstating the rail line north of Armidale. This is a way to bring the divided community also. There are 4650 people who oppose the NERT as evidenced by an online petition. https://www.change.org/SaveNorthernRailLine
Friends of New England Rail Trail is holding its annual general meeting in Armidale this week. The question we put to the organisers is whether they have learned anything from the withdrawal of the two grants? Whether they are prepared to listen to the community who oppose they are prepared to listen to the community who need the railway line for future train services? We like to ask the two councils and the Friends of rail trail to reflect carefully and revise their plans in such a way either we go with the community sentiment, join forces and lobby governments for a better share of investments in New England transport infrastructure or whether continue with the divisive policy and further divide the community?
We like to remind the two councils and the New England community that the plan by New England Railway Inc (NERi) to repair the two diesel sets parked in Armidale shed to operate heritage trains initially between Armidale and Tamworth has the potential to attract more visitors to the region and it is to be supported. As the University of New England is building a campus in Tamworth, such a service can be useful for staff, students and parents. Furthermore, a train service like this can be a game changer for either city as many who seek medical services in Tamworth and beyond can use the train. (Current daily train service to Sydney is not adequate and flights to Sydney are expensive and unreliable). NERi has plans to operate heritage trains north of Armidale as well.NERi has plans to operate heritage trains north of Armidale as well. Email: admin@neri.org.au
Currently Transport for NSW is in the process of seeking feedback from New England residents about their transport needs and suggestions for a Strategic Integrated Regional Transport Plan for our region (SIRTP) and plans to complete it early in 2026. TFNSW website states the following:
Stay Informed and Get Involved
We are keen to hear from people across the region. If you are interested in being a part of the conversation, email us at engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au, and we will provide information on engagement opportunities and how you can contribute to the SRITP for the New England and North West.Source: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/new-england-and-north-west
There is a change.org petition in the link against the bike track which I have signed. I will always support the trains return north of Armidale
Common sense. Well said Siri.
That’s the good bit of the road.
Both Councils are engaging in projects they cannot afford to maintain. Glen Innes had the Airport fiasco some years back, recently the Glen Innes Skywalk was installed and nobody uses it. The Cycle track is another ridiculous idea that nobody will use and will greatly increase rate burdens to Glen Innes ratepayers who are some of the lowest income per capita in Australia. Orange/ Bathurst have cycle routes mapped out on existing dirt roads an Tenterfield are also following similar commonsense idea. The Rail Line is needed more than ever, yet ARC and GISC have not the brains to support public transport!
turn the railway into truck only roads
Most of the rail corridor can have a car driven along, and could easily and relatively cheaply have a bike track there, making it a win win. Dips and gullies can have suspension bridges like the Kiwis have.
Rail connected north has to have correct vision for the future incorporated.
A lot of people negative to the idea, compare why it failed last time without including connection through to at least Gowrie junction, on medium speed trains. Not the old type, going nowhere. Having said that, there is still use for historical trains for tourism.
Recent flooding has demonstrated the danger of relying on flood prone lines in massively fluctuating weather. The Western option, while convenient for flat terrain, crosses several flood plains also. The Mt Isa / Townsville line showed the shortcomings of not getting that right. Records of flood rain being broken soon after errection. Similar to our coast several times recently.
Agree, we can lobby for both. At least I hope that is what you were suggesting Siri. However, I suggest the questions you are proposing for the NERT people are not productive questions if the aim is for both groups to work together for the best interests of the area. Both sides need to approach it with a collaborative attitude and drop the gotcha statements and questions. I expect your first question would be – how do we work together to achieve both group’s aims?