The discussion about restoring rail line from Armidale to Queensland border and beyond has been caught up between these two paradigms both at the government and community levels. It is not an uncommon episode when it comes to major infrastructure projects. The governments take responsibility for nation building projects because they are in the national interest. Costs and benefits don’t come to the consideration that much as in the case of commercial projects. The private sector proposes commercial projects when the economic dividend surpasses the costs involved. Generally the project has to generate enough income including a significant return on investment.
There is another Paradigm that governments use. It is Public and Private Partnership(PPP).
In the case of Northern railway reactivation, NSW government thus far does not consider it as a nation building project. Partly it is due to the Inland Rail project even though its completion is decades away. Partly it is due to the government emphasis on Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong instead of regional NSW. Moreover elected National party representatives from New England have not come up with open support for the project. Instead their preference is to support the recreational rail trail from Armidale to Glen Innes.
This dillema becomes more visible when we look at the NSW government response to the 10740 signature community petition submitted to NSW Parliament in 2024. Minister for regional transport wants us to submit a business case to look at the reactivation of train line on an evidence based manner instead of pork barrelling. However as it can cost up to half a million, community organisations campaigning for restoration of the line have hit a brick wall. They prefer if the NSW government consider this as a nation building project,conduct a feasibility study and make a better investment in collaboration with the federal government.
The other option is for the two local councils in New England who are still pursuing their dream for the fail trail in the rail corridor to invest half a million for an independent feasibility study and/ or a business case. However this is unlikely because Armidale Regional Council voted last month to spend half a million of rate payers money for the fail trail preliminary work even when Glen Innes Severn council is spending only $170,000 for similar work.
It is unlikely that the private sector will invest in a project when the government’s have not recognised the long term benefits of restoring this rail line for better inter state connectivity, mobility, tourism, and freight movements reducing the road repair bill as well. It is believed by many in the community that the diesel levy income to both levels of governments is a key factor here. Some estimates suggest that if the line is restored and freight is shifted from roads to rail, 250,000 litres of diesel cost can be saved.
Thus when we discuss this topic it is important to keep in mind the different paradigms, players and interests at play. When mainstream parties wash their hands and do nothing for a nation building project like this and wish to treat the line as an abandoned railway in coming decades the hope us that minor parties or independents in the political arena will recognise this national blunder and join the community for a better transport future for New England.
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