Rail trail supporters are ready to assist

04th Feb 2025

Rail Trail supporter group, Friends of the New England Rail Trail (FofNERT), remain hopeful the project will move forward and say they remain committed and ready to assist with advocacy, events, promotion, and volunteer efforts to support the delivery of the New England Rail Trail.
It follows the response from the NSW government to a recent question on the possible return to rail services on Great Northern Rail Line.
The Minister for Jobs and Tourism representing the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads responded to a question by The Hon Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC saying:
“Transport for NSW does not have any current plans, funding allocations, nor strategic priorities to restore train services on the Great Northern Railway Line north of Armidale.”
FofNERT say there is now no apparent impediment to the New England region moving forward with the construction of the New England Rail Trail.
Greg Wild, Chair of FofNERT, welcomed the news saying he believes it’s now clear that rail services won’t return to the line in the foreseeable future.
“This marks a clear opportunity for the region to repurpose the disused rail corridor into the New England Rail Trail,” Mr Wild said.
“It paves the way for a world-class rail trail that would bring significant economic, tourism, recreational and social benefits to the region,” Wild said.
“The rail trail will honour the legacy of the Great Northern Railway by transforming it into a vibrant community asset, while preserving the corridor for any potential future transport needs.
“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to bring lasting benefits to our region.”
The project has gained support from within the local community, including almost 7,000 signatures on a petition to support the project, and the formation of Friends of New England Rail Trail with over 180 financial members.

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