Dear Editor, Regarding the story Albo fund our Councils! Well may the new Nationals Member for Parkes complain about the inadequate funding of NSW local government, but this conveniently overlooks the constitutional fact that local government is a function of the NSW state rather than the Federal Parliament, and the quiet compliance of his predecessor during […]
New England Times Engage
Posted inUncategorized
QW: Rail is essential
The rail line from Tamworth to SE Qld is critical to both passengers and freight. Number two must be to connect the Inland Rail at Moree with the North Coast Line at Grafton as it helps make a real rail network and connects the inland with the coast for trade, tourism and social needs. Re: […]
Posted inFeatured, Political, Regular columns
Denise’s Desk: Barnaby Joyce’s Tamworth Fantasy: A Masterclass in Blame, Hypocrisy and Delusion”
Denise McHugh says Barnaby Joyce’s performance at the Tamworth Business Chamber’s State of the Nation forum was less a “vision” for regional Australia and more a foghorn blast of hypocrisy, denial, and political opportunism.
Posted inLetters
Letter: Railway renewal as political spending equity
I refer to the Siri Gamage article; Merits of Regional Rail Renewal vs a Rail Trail: Failures of Decision-Making in New England (14 November 2025). I continue to be amazed by the antics of the elected Armidale Regional Council (ARC) Councillors spending up big on developing a ”bike path to nowhere to see nothing” at […]
Posted inEnvironmental, Featured, Opinion
Rail cheaper than trucks
Mal Peters says freight once arrived in Armidale by train, but government cuts shifted it to trucks and crumbling roads. He argues reopening the Armidale north rail corridor is vital for Australia’s freight competitiveness and environmental future.
Posted inQuick Word
QW: Bring back the Armidale–Queensland rail line
Susan Moxon says: Please reinstate a rail line from Armidale to Queensland. It’s such a backward step not having it available for our community. Our ancestors broke their backs building the rail line. Please.
Posted inQuick Word
QW: Net Zero
Well done, Jan Kleeman! I was listening last night to a Professor talking about the Ozone layer… when scientists told the world of impending disaster if we continued using Freon. The world listened. It appears that this event has escaped collective peoples memories. It was an essential piece of action that saved the world. Zero […]
Posted inFeatured, Political, Something to Think About
When did ‘net zero’ become just another term for renewables?
RK Crosby says the term ‘net zero’ does not mean ‘renewable energy’ and we’ll continue to be stuck on these issues until we’re talking about the same thing.
Posted inFeatured, Ideas, Solutions
Scaling Without Losing the Spark
Mark Palmer says the most dynamic FMCG, food and lifestyle brands are founder-led – driven by vision, belief and authenticity. His founderproof® approach helps businesses scale without losing the spark that creates lasting brand value.
Posted inLetters
Letter: Trains North’s current petition re rail
John Burrell from Armidale writes that the Trains North petition to reopen the railway north of Armidale is misguided – the line is derelict, bridges collapsed and sections lost to highway upgrades. He argues the region should instead focus on securing its Sydney service.