Council commits to rail trail study

28th Oct 2025

Armidale Regional Councillors last week voted 6 – 2 in favour of allocating funds towards preliminary works for the New England Rail Trail.
The New England Rail Trail is a proposed 103-kilometre walking and cycling path along the disused Great Northern Railway between Armidale and Glen Innes. Supporters say the trail would boost tourism and local economies, while opponents argue it would destroy the chance to restore freight or heritage rail services.
At the monthly meeting of Armidale Regional Council, which was held on Wednesday October 22nd, Councillor Eli Imad proposed amendments to Item 9.2 – Delivering the New England Rail Trail Preliminary Works.
A report to council noted that $1,083,500 (ex GST) is required to deliver Stage 1 and 2 of the NERT proposal. Stage 1 is limited to the value of Council’s currently approved budget ($497,800); and Stage 2 will not proceed until the additional $585,700 in external funding has been secured.
Cr Imad proposed ammendments which he said were designed to protect the rail corridor and ensure future transport options remain open. He said the motion was likely to pass regardless, but the amendments added crucial safeguards, including a requirement for a formal NSW Government statement on the rail line’s long-term status before any irreversible work proceeds.
He emphasised that the corridor remains a State-owned transport asset and that any use, including a potential rail trail, would operate under a Government lease preserving rail priority.
Cr Imad reaffirmed that despite his earlier support for private freight operator David Peters’ proposal to reopen the line between Armidale and Llangothlin, no formal application was ever submitted despite Council’s willingness to assist,.
“With no active freight project before Council, we must consider interim community uses while keeping the corridor legally protected,” he said.
“This isn’t about taking sides, it’s about keeping future options open and acting responsibly for the region.”
The amended motion passed with the support of Councillors Coupland, Redwood, Imad, Endres, Taber and Gaddes. Councillors Brad Widders and Susan McMichael opposed the motion, while Cr Dorothy Robinson left the room and did not vote.

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Council commits to rail trail study

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