Debate continues over future use of rail corridor

12th May 2026

Debate over the future of the disused Great Northern Rail corridor has intensified following the federal government’s decision to abandon the Inland Rail project north of Parkes and the launch of community consultation on the proposed New England Rail Trail Framework.
Last week, Armidale Regional Council began public consultation on the proposed framework covering the 67-kilometre rail corridor between Armidale and Ben Lomond. The proposal would see the unused rail line transformed into a recreational trail for walking and cycling under the NSW Government’s Rail Trails Framework.
At the same time, rail advocacy group Trains North has renewed calls for major freight rail investment across northern New South Wales and Queensland following confirmation the Inland Rail project will not proceed beyond Parkes.
Trains North president Matthew Tierney said the decision, while disappointing, was not unexpected given the project’s escalating costs. He said the original 2006 estimate of $3.5 billion had proven unrealistic, with recent reviews showing costs had increased dramatically.
Mr Tierney said the cancellation strengthened the case for revisiting the historic Main North Line through the Northern Tablelands, linking Werris Creek to Queensland via Tamworth, Armidale and Glen Innes. He argued the existing rail corridor would be easier and cheaper to upgrade than constructing entirely new infrastructure.
Trains North is now calling for a fresh study into the proposal outlined in its paper, The New England Connection, and is seeking community and government backing for renewed freight rail development in the region.
The organisation argues the corridor should remain under consideration for future freight use, saying improved rail infrastructure is critical for economic growth, road safety, lower emissions, fuel security and national transport resilience.
Supporters of the proposed rail trail, however, believe a recently released draft 20-year transport blueprint for the New England North West strengthens the case for transforming the line into a tourism and recreation asset.
The Draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), released by the NSW Government in late April, outlines proposed short, medium and long-term transport improvements aimed at strengthening regional connections, supporting industry growth and improving local transport options.
Importantly, the draft report states that “the Australian and NSW governments are not planning to progress reinstatement of the former Main North Line north of Armidale”.
The plan was developed following consultation with councils, MPs, community groups and more than 500 public submissions, and is the region’s first integrated transport strategy in more than a decade.
NSW Regional Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison said community feedback would play an important role in refining the final strategy, while Labor spokespersons Anthony D’Adam and Peter Primrose said the plan would help identify future transport priorities and better connect communities, businesses and freight networks across the region.
Public consultation on the draft transport plan remains open until June 14.
More information on community drop-in sessions for the proposed New England Rail Trail Framework is available through Armidale Regional Council’s Your Say engagement hub.

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Debate continues over future use of rail corridor

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