Meeting provides clarity for plans to build rail trail

02nd Apr 2024

Plans to build the New England Rail Trail along the abandoned rail line north of Armidale were brought back into the spotlight following a recent meeting held at State Parliament by leaders of both Armidale Regional and Glen Innes Severn Councils.
At the meeting held on March 16th, Mayor Coupland, along with ARC Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood - Glen Innes Severn Mayor, Rob Banham and Deputy Mayor Troy Arandale Councillor Glen Innes Severn Council, met with the Premier, the Treasurer and the Minister for Regional Transport to discuss, amongst other things, the future of the rail line north of Armidale.
On social media, Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland described the meeting as a ‘fruitful couple of hours in Parliament House’ and ‘that the overwhelming message was that trains will not be returning in the near or long-term’.
“Having gained that clarity, both councils will be proceeding at pace to introduce the rail trail so our region can benefit from an asset that has laid dormant for 35 years,” he said.
“We need to be a region that embraces the possible and grabs the opportunities that are there in front of us.
“It is important to note that the legislation allows for the state government to re-purpose the corridor for the use of trains should it see fit to do so.”
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham said the New England Rail Trail represents a significant opportunity for the New England region, which holds considerable promise for the communities.
“The clarity provided in the meeting enables us to proceed with confidence in delivering the New England Rail Trail, and we are committed to working together with our partners to ensure its successful delivery,” Cr Banham said.

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Meeting provides clarity for plans to build rail trail

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