Friends of New England Rail Trail Inc.

10/06/2026

It was great to catch up with Brendan Moylan MP at the Armidale Markets in the Mall recently.
We really appreciate your continued support for the New England Rail Trail. We are excited to see how the next year or so rolls out as we head towards getting this project off the ground.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to register their support for NERT, we patiently await the outcome of the public consultation process, and expect that it will show what we already know. That is the majority of people are keen for this to project to progress, based on the overwhelming support shown to us over May.
Thank you all again and fingers crossed for a positive outcome.
Sam Coupland
Aileen MacDonald MLC
Jenny Aitchison MP

10/06/2026

Great to see this announcement from our friends in Glen Innes

Big news for our village communities - getting into town is going to get a whole lot easier!

The Access Bus is expanding to include Emmaville, Glencoe, Red Range and Deepwater, with services starting as early as this week.

That means more residents will soon have a simple, reliable way to get to appointments, do the groceries and stay connected, without having to line up a lift or work around limited options.

Building on the existing service through Life Choices Support Services, this expansion reaches communities where distance can make everyday trips to town a real challenge.

The service is rolling out progressively as part of a three-month pilot program and is available to eligible residents through the My Aged Care program (a referral is required).

Want to know when it’s coming to your area or how to access it? Contact LC-SS on (02) 6730 2500 or email [email protected].

02/06/2026

What a wonderful service, we hope to have something similar in our area

01/06/2026

Sounds a bit extreme !

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact A local old codger has confirmed he is willing to die to prevent the old Port of Betoota Rail Line be transformed into a "rail trail". Bruce Hall, a retired school teacher from the Port of Betoota, told The Advocate that it was a dark day

31/05/2026

This is the last chance to record your support. If you haven't yet please do, if you already have, Thank You !!

31/05/2026

So much gas bet. Said about getting trains north to Brisbane, it seems like Queensland rail already have a lot in their plate.
What to you think the chances are to see them building the line from Wallangarra?

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HYydCkTeQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

29/05/2026

Armidale has taken out a top tourist gong, being named as one of the best towns to visit in Australia.
The announcement comes as no surprise to locals and visitors - who love the town's beautiful country charm.

28/05/2026

When we hear so many comments from a few Guyra residents who don’t understand what the rail trail is about you begin to wonder if you might have it all wrong,but to see such a well informed response like this one restores the faith in our mission.
The Guyra Progress Association is made up of active vibrant community minded people who genuinely believe in their community.
We appreciate this statement of support and look forward to the day we can all share this important facility.

Thankyou Guyra Progress Association.

🚲 SUPPORT FOR THE NEW ENGLAND RAIL TRAIL 🚲

Given the current discussion surrounding the proposed New England Rail Trail, the Guyra and Community Progress Association unanimously voted at our recent meeting to express our extremely strong support for what we firmly believe is a positive step forward for our region.

Our support comes from a shared belief in the future of Guyra and the wider New England community — a future built on opportunity, connection, tourism, healthy lifestyles, economic growth, and preserving the unique character of the place we proudly call home.

After reading this lengthy post, grab a cuppa ☕ and take a moment to reflect on “why we live where we live!” - as 'Macca" would say!

We are incredibly fortunate to live in a resilient and welcoming high-country community with breathtaking landscapes, four distinct seasons, vibrant local events, hardworking local businesses, and a strong sense of belonging.

The proposed rail trail represents an opportunity to build on these strengths and showcase everything that makes our region so special.

🌿 Guyra is uniquely positioned as one of the highest towns in Australia, offering cool summers, beautiful autumn colours, crisp winters, colourful spring gardens and winter snowfall.

🌿 The rail trail would encourage visitors to stay longer, explore our villages, support local cafés, quaint Airbnb's, accommodation, shops, and events, and experience the natural beauty of our region.

🌿 It would also create opportunities for tourism growth, economic development, active recreation, improved health and wellbeing, and stronger connections between regional communities.

From TroutFest and the Lamb & Potato Festival to Christmas Markets, New Years Eve Celebrations, the Agricultural Show, sporting events and other countless community events — our town thrives because of the incredible people who work tirelessly to make Guyra a wonderful place to live and visit.

The Guyra and Community Progress Association strongly believes the New England Rail Trail is an investment in the future of our region and future generations to come.

We respectfully encourage those who may feel sceptical to also consider the substantial long-term benefits this project could deliver — not only for Guyra, but for surrounding communities and the broader New England region.

📢 COMMUNITY FEEDBACK IS NOW OPEN

Please take a few moments to visit the Armidale Regional Council "Your Say” page and lodge your submission in support of the proposed New England Rail Trail.

🗓 Submissions close Monday 1 June 2026.

Every submission matters. Please help us progress our region. ❤️