Funding pulled, but councils remain committed to Rail Trail

Guyra sits at the centre of the proposed New England Rail Trail between Armidale and Glen innes

26th Nov 2024

The New England Rail Trail is at the centre of a funding stoush between local, state and federal governments this week, after promised funding was withdrawn.
A total of $14.1 million had been set aside for the first stages of the project which would see a 103km trail established between Armidale and Glen Innes.
Both Armidale Regional Council (ARC) and Glen Innes Severn Council (GISC) had committed to building the first stages of the trail which they hoped would become a tourism drawcard for the region.
GISC secured $8.7 for the project through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) and Armidale’s $5.4m grant was allocated through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Program (BSBR), administered by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The news that the funds would not be forthcoming broke on Monday November 25th.
GISC described the withdrawal of $8.7 million in funding as a ‘crushing blow’.
Newly elected GISC Mayor Margot Davis expressed her profound disappointment in the decision.
“This project was the single most significant economic opportunity our community has ever seen,” Cr Davis said.
“To have this funding stripped is not just a heartless decision—it’s an act of indifference to rural communities that have endured natural disaster after natural disaster.”
ARC also confirmed that $5.4 of funding promised for the Armidale section of the trail had been withdrawn.
“I am gutted that a grant already awarded on the basis of merit, and backed by the community, has been withdrawn,” Cr Coupland said.
“What frustrates me the most is the absurd amount of time NEMA consumed stringing ARC along and effectively running ‘down the clock’ on the grant, wasting Council time and ratepayer resources.”
Despite the setback, both councils say that they are committed to the Rail Trail Project.
GISC said that it remains steadfast in its commitment to the New England Rail Trail and they have formally appealed to The Hon. Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management, and The Hon. Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, calling for a fair review of the decision and the reinstatement of funding.
ARC Mayor Sam Coupland said that building the Armidale to Ben Lomond section of the New England Rail Trail remains a key focus of ARC and the current council.
ARC has already submitted further grant applications to complete the 67km Armidale – Ben Lomond Section of the New England Rail Trail. A $21.1m grant application has progressed to the final stage of the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program and the outcome of this application is expected in coming weeks.

Moylan and Joyce slam funding cuts for our region

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has hit out at the NSW and Federal Governments after $14.1 million of funding promised to Glen Innes Severn Council and Armidale Regional Council for their Rail Trail project was revoked.
“I have been pushing for more funding so it is incredibly disappointing to hear there will be cuts made to the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Moylan said.
“Whether you were for or against the Rail Trail, the reality is Mr Minns and Mr Albanese have taken approximately $14.1million out of our region.
“But rest assured, I will continue to fight hard for funding in the region.”
Mr Moylan has called on the Federal and State Governments to ensure the funding will remain in the Glen Innes and Armidale local government areas for other projects.
Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said that the withdrawal of funding is a massive slap in the face to the people of New England.
Mr Joyce said he would hold the Government to account for withdrawing the $14 million funding package.
“I’ve been taking deputations about the trail for the past three years, to cancel funding now is arbitrary and careless.”

Trains North welcomes decision to cut funding for Rail trail

A group advocating for the return of rail services north of Armidale has welcomed the announcement that funding for the Armidale and Glen Innes parts of the proposed New England Rail Trail has been withdrawn.
Matthew Tierney, President of Trains Norths said that it might seem disappointing that $14 million of grants would not be flowing into the Armidale and Glen Innes local government areas but stressed that it was more important to keep the railway line.
Trains North will step up its efforts to have the Main North Line, including the currently disused section between Armidale and the Queensland border, integrated into a modern state and national rail freight logistics network.

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Funding pulled, but councils remain committed to Rail Trail

Moylan and Joyce slam funding cuts for our region

Trains North welcomes decision to cut funding for Rail trail

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