This is a perfect way to build a cycling+walking trail. Something Armidale and Glen Innes councils are not interested in? Build it beside the rail formation, known as “off formation”, so the GNR line can still be re-activated for freight and passenger services in the near future!
These two councils only want to remove our rail line between Armidale and Glen Innes in the name of a recreational project, wrongly labelled as a “rail trail” confusing many residents in our local government areas. Estimated income from the cycling+walking trail in the rail corridor is higher than income expected from Tweed Shire cycling+walking trail.
Expected annual overnight stayers are higher by several thousand than day visitors. Armidale council has allocated 2.6 million to do rail trail preliminary works in preparation for submitting an application to NSW government by engaging NSW public works.
How much is Armidale Regional Council paying NSW Public Works for this preliminary works is not clear? Glen Innes Council has allocated only $170,000 for similar task.
Neither council has been successful in getting government grants after they lost $14 million grant money in 2024. Our communities are demanding both councils to advocate for better transport for the region, to assist people and businesses that need better mobility and connectivity. A Draft Regional Transport plan by NSW government is currently seeking public comments, and has not endorsed the council rail trail plan. It says the NSW government will consider such proposals if there is community support. So it is up to you to communicate your views to ARC or GISC as well as to NSW Govt by visiting their website and have your say.
Siri Gamage
Armidale Trains Advocate
gamage.siri@yahoo.com
18-may-2026