Who are the

Friends of New England Rail Trail?

Why do the

Friends of New England Rail Trail Exist?

With an an estimated 3000 kms of disused rail corridors in New South Wales, passionate locals noted the ever-deteriorating rail infrastructure. A committee was established and action for locals, cyclists, rail enthusiasts and general tourism was sought to make this piece of Australian history a landmark as the New England Rail Trail. The committee of the Friends of New England Rail Trail was born out of this.

Aims of the Friends of New England Rail Trail:

Community involvement in design and development of a sustainable rail trail project with councils and government agencies.
Promotion and marketing, merchandise creation to help boost tourism and community engagement in the local and supporting region.
Encourage a healthy lifestyle through the development and use of the rail trail for recreational and fitness activities with access for all ages and abilities.
Support local economic growth by attracting visitors and promoting regional tourism, and supporting new local business development.

If you’d like to support the efforts of this group, your membership will go a long way to making the Rail Trail a reality.

Meet the

Board Members

Greg is a lifelong Armidale local with a knack for mechanics. He started in management at a local electronics manufacturer, then led the development of agricultural equipment. After the company closed, he and his wife launched a cleaning business, growing it to 34 employees and expanding into supplies and equipment. Greg spent over 16 years on the Rapid co operative board, including four years as chairman. Now semi-retired, he serves on the FofNERT board, bringing his business and management experience to support community development. Passionate about Armidale, he’s committed to enhancing local amenities and services.

Lived in the New England since 1987. Career in public land management, followed by the first NSW Cross Border Commissioner. Thirteen years as an elected Councillor and nine years as Mayor, Glen Innes Severn Council. Bachelor Science (Forestry).

Keen cyclist and understand the benefits of keeping fit. Rail trails offer a safe, pleasant riding, walking and running experience with gentle grades. They offer a valuable space for both local residents and visitors.

A fifth-generation local, she grew up on a sheep grazing property west of Guyra and has always embraced an active, outdoor lifestyle. She works in administration with Armidale Catholic Schools and, alongside her husband David, operates a primary production business breeding Angus cattle on their Armidale and Guyra properties. They have two adult children. Passionate about New England’s untapped tourism potential, she believes the region’s natural beauty, elevation, and wildlife offer incredible opportunities. She is motivated to support the NERT project, confident it will promote healthy lifestyles and attract tourism, making New England a sought-after travel destination.

Originally from outer Sydney, Fiona has lived in Guyra for almost 40 years. She co-manages a beef cattle farm with her husband and has done its financial projections and bookkeeping for decades. She also works as a real estate agent and property manager in Guyra.

Always involved with the community, Fiona is a part of many community groups and believes in the advancement of the local area. A strong supporter for the New England Rail Trail especially since riding the NZ Otago Rail Trail. Reportedly, the best holiday ever.

“I want to see Guyra flourish economically, as well as share our beautiful environment with visitors in a safe space while invigorating our community.”

David Mills is a member of Friends of NERT, and is probably the reason that NERT exists. He has been working towards making the New England Rail Trail a reality since 2013.

An avid cyclist and family man, David has also owned a small business in Guyra and believes in the spirit of the community.

A UNE graduate in Agricultural Economics and Business Management, he began his career with the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Economics in Canberra in the early 1980s, focusing on economic research and industry forecasting. He later owned a commodity trading and exporting business in Armidale, employing up to 24 people. From 2001 to 2022, he served as Business Development Manager for the New England with the NSW State Government, working with councils, industry groups, investors, and small businesses. Now retired, he is married with three adult children and seven grandchildren, and continues to enjoy life in the New England region.

Born in Holland and raised in Grafton, he moved to Australia at six and attended Newcastle Teachers College. After two years of teaching, he served in the Australian Regular Army for 11 years and the Army Reserve for another 11, reaching Lieutenant Colonel. While serving, he completed a degree in Educational Psychology through the University of Queensland. Following discharge, he worked in corporate training and later ran a management consulting business for 13 years. Relocating to Guyra in 2006, he served as Mayor for eight years and chaired regional land services. Married with two children and four grandchildren.

Raised on a Northern Tablelands cattle property followed by a 40 year career in the NSW/Commonwealth Public Service in varied administrative roles for the Public Works Dept, State Emergency Service, Dept of Land & Water Conservation, Crown Lands Dept, Hunter New England Area Health Service, Australian Antarctic Division & the UNE Faculty of Medicine & Health.

Timeline for the

New England Rail Trail

We know it’s got so much value for our community that we’ve been fighting for the Rail Trail for over 15 years. Take a
look at the journey we’ve been on.

2009

Director of Engineering, Guyra Shire Council, Ben Harris enquired on the feasibility of a rail trail with NSW Government.

Ben Harris and David Mills attended a conference in Kyogle regarding trails and their economic impact. The Keynote speaker was from Fruita, Colorado.

Armidale resident Bruce Graham, formed the NERT FaceBook page and pushed the idea with local organisations such as Sustainable Living.

15 JUNE 2010

Proponents of the Rail Trail organised a meeting with Mayor Hietbrink and Councillor Vickery at Black

AUGUST 2014

Meeting held in Sydney with the (then) State Transport Minister Ms. Gladys Berejiklian, project proponents and Guyra Shire Councillors to discuss project requirements

AUGUST 2014

Project proponents attended Rail Trail NSW workshop in Sydney and discussed project with Executive and State Government representatives.

SEPTEMBER 2014

New England Rail Trail (NERT) Incorporated established.

Glen Innes Severn Council resolves to support the development of a rail trail from Ben Lomond to Glen Innes.

NOVEMBER 2014

Black Mountain to Ben Lomond consultation with stakeholder/residents/business

2015

Guyra Shire Council adopted support of NERT. Further meetings and consultations with Tourism Minister Andrew Stoner, Minister Adam Marshall and Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

MAY 2016

Guyra Shire Council amalgamated with Armidale Dumaresq Council.

SEPTMEBER 2017

ARC formed. NERT committee established relationship with new ARC councillors.

DECEMBER 2017

Guyra and Tenterfield Community Consultation sessions on the NERT were delivered by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and subsequently produced detailed consultation report.

The Community Consultations were carried out in order to garner the views of Guyra and Tenterfield residents regarding the creation of a rail trail. A detailed Community Consultation Report was generated from the results.

APRIL 2018

Crowd funding launched raising $48,055 for Business Case.

ARC engaged AEC to study possible return of rail north of Armidale.

MAY 2018

A desktop consultancy study was carried out by AEC to determine the viability of bringing the railway line between Armidale and Tenterfield into an operational condition by estimating costs of refurbishing the rail line between Armidale and the Queensland border. The study estimated a rail-only refurbishment cost estimate of around $500 million (ie. not including any other infrastructure repairs to bridges nor stations / sidings etc).

MAY 2018

Glen Innes Severn Council reaffirms support for a Rail Trail from Ben Lomond to Glen Innes and contributes to ARC in developing a Feasibility Study

JUNE 2018

Project proponents were awaiting the results of Armidale Regional Council’s commissioned desktop feasibility study. After some debate, it was eventually decided that ARC would spend $50,000 on a study which would look into all possible use cases for the corridor. Glen Innes Severn Council (GISC) also contributed $10,000.

SEPTEMBER 2018

The New England Rail Trail – Trail Plan was developed by Mike Hallibuton Associates and TransPlan Pty Ltd. The proposal emphasises the trail's gentle gradient, scenic landscapes, and historical towns, aiming to boost tourism and local economies. To address concerns from local graziers and landholders, the plan includes measures such as fencing, stock crossings, and biosecurity protocols to manage risks related to livestock, pests, and human safety.

OCTOBER 2018

ARC/GISC endorse the Halliburton / Transplan Rail Trail Development Plan.

A well-attended council meeting held in Guyra on 24/10/2018 discussed the proposal, as described here.

“A full business case will need to be undertaken, both on investment and the return on investment, both from a financial sense and an economic model sense. Before that happens, we would have to have a commitment of funding for those two items from the State Government or some other body.” – Mrs Law.

NOVEMBER 2018

Glen Innes Severn Council in conjunction with ARC supports the development of a business case for the Rail Trail and to seek grant funding for the implementation of the Rail Trail project

JUNE 2019

Biosecurity and Risk Assessment Document produced with representatives from Northern Tablelands Local Land Services. The plan outlines measures to manage biosecurity and safety risks during the conversion of the disused rail corridor between Armidale and Glen Innes into a recreational trail. Key risks identified include livestock health, human safety, pest control, weed management, and economic impacts. To mitigate these, the plan proposes fencing, stock crossings, and defined lessee responsibilities. It aligns with the Biosecurity Act 2015, requiring all parties to actively minimise risks. An annual audit and regular reviews ensure the plan stays effective and compliant. The goal is to support trail use while protecting agriculture.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Final version of the New England Rail Trail Business Case completed by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland. The plan emphasises economic revitalization through increased tourism, job creation, and support for local businesses. It outlines strategies to address biosecurity, landholder concerns, and infrastructure needs, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation. The project aims to preserve the corridor's heritage while promoting sustainable regional development. The Business Case was funded by a crowdfunding campaign by NERT Inc targeting local supporters of the project, as well as contributions from Councils and corporate sponsors, raising in excess of $48,000 over six weeks.

MARCH 2020

Glen Innes Severn Council noted the draft business case developed by Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) and its key findings and supports the necessary legislation to close the rail corridor to allow development as a Rail Trail

JULY 2020

Armidale Regional Council Mayor, Deputy Mayor and CEO Resign.

AUGUST 2020

Re-establish relations with administrator Mr.Viv May.

JANUARY 2021

GISC lead proponent for Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLER) State Grant submitted.

FEBRUARY 2021

ARC lead proponent for Black Summer Bushfires Recovery Grant (BSBRG) program submitted

MAY 2021

Glen Innes Severn Council resolves to place the Rail Trail Plans, the Biosecurity, and the Business Case on Council’s website and to conduct drop-in information sessions for the public.

JULY 2021

Funding announced for Stage 1 (Glen Innes to Ben Lomond).

FEBRUARY 2022

Funding announced for Stage 2 (Ben Lomond to Black Mountain).

JUNE 2022

Rail Trails for NSW Evaluation Summary published. NSW Rail Trails Framework published.

AUGUST 2022

NSW Parliament passed the Transport Administration Amendment (Rail Trails) Bill 2022 so that delivery of future rail trail projects in NSW no longer required a full amendment to the Act for each project.

MARCH 2023

Glen Innes Severn Council resolves to progress the lease arrangements for the Rail Trail and commence the design process.

MARCH 2024

Mayor & Deputy Mayor of both ARC & GISC met with the Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Regional Transport & the Member for Northern Tablelands at Parliament House, Sydney receiving strong in-principle support for the NERT project.

APRIL 2024

Both updated Business Case developed by RDANI & updated costing/ timeline developed by NSW Public Works Authority for section Armidale to Dumaresq Stns presented to ARC.

At an ARC council meeting on 24 April, a motion to move ahead with the Rail Trail preliminary works was unsuccessful when Councillor O'Connor instead successfully moved as an amendment to that motion, to delay the Armidale section of the rail trail, which would likely result in the withdrawal of the Armidale funding which had a 31st March 2025 deadline.

A Change.org petition was launched by New England Visions 2030 (NEV2030) to garner local support to have the delay resolution overturned. It attracted 4000 signatures in four days and 6781 in seven weeks. Hundreds of letters were also sent to council is support of the Rail Trail project. 27 local businesses offered to pay for Rail Trail maintenance. A NERT Supporters Group Facebook page was activated.

MAY 2024

A rescission motion was successful. Council began preparatory work. ARC voted to proceed with approval process under the NSW Rail Trail Framework guidelines.

Glen Innes Severn Council resolves to apply to the BLERF to include only the Rail Trail section from Glen Innes to Glencoe. Reaffirms its request of the BLERF to execute the funding deed at the earliest opportunity. Authorises expenditure to commence survey, design, and environmental assessment of the Rail Trail

13 MAY 2024

At an extraordinary ARC Council meeting on 13 May, ARC voted to rescind the earlier April delay resolution, and Council began preparatory work as originally planned. ARC voted to proceed with approval process under the NSW Rail Trail Framework guidelines.

16 MAY 2024

GISC Council allocates funding for preliminary work.

JUNE 2024

An article published by the Bicycle Network reported that in May 2024, and following strong community advocacy, Armidale Regional Council reversed its decision to delay the New England Rail Trail, thereby approving construction of the first stage. The total 103 km trail from Armidale to Glen Innes is expected to boost tourism with 29,000 new visits annually, injecting $5.8 million into the local economy, following strong community advocacy.

JULY 2024

New England Visions 2030 invites residents to be part of a steering committee to form the Friends of New England Rail Trail

31 JULY 2024

Friends of New England Rail Trail launched in Armidale attracting 150 residents

7 AUGUST 2024

Friends of New England Rail Trail launched in Glen Innes attracting 35 residents

14 AUGUST 2024

Friends of New England Rail Trail launched in Guyra attracting 58 residents

OCTOBER 2024

Friends of NERT Inc (FofNERT Inc) established. Board appointed at inaugural AGM in Guyra.

NOVEMBER 2024

BLER State / Federal Govt & BSBRG Federal Grants for both ARC & GISC withdrawn. (BLER: Bushfire Local Economic Recovery grants; BSBRG: Black Summer Bushfires Recovery Grants)

GISC voted to proceed with NSW Rail Trails Framework process. General Manager was requested to submit a grant application to RPPP (Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program) to fund section from Glen Innes to Ben Lomond.

Glen Innes Severn Council Media Release reported a licence agreement with the Transport Holding Entity of NSW, allowing access to the rail corridor for essential survey and environmental assessments. This progress enables the completion of necessary investigations under the NSW Rail Trails Framework, advancing the New England Rail Trail project.

On November 28, Rail Trails Australia reported that the $14.1 million funding for the New England Rail Trail was withdrawn, despite prior commitments from State and Federal governments. Armidale Regional and Glen Innes Severn Councils had met all funding criteria but faced bureaucratic delays. The project, widely supported by the community and local businesses, aims to boost regional tourism and economic development. Advocates are now seeking alternative grant support to realise the trail's potential.

JANUARY 2025

ARC submitted grant funding application to Regional Precincts & Partnership Program (RPPP) for section Armidale to Ben Lomond ($21M)

FEBRUARY 2025

ARC advised by RPPP that application for $21M Armidale to Ben Lomond was unsuccessful in January 2025 round.

Testimonial for the

New England Rail Trail

Susanna Greig

Member & Local Riding Enthusiast

I cycle everywhere and no longer drive following a nasty car accident. I’ve had significant physical challenges following my accident, but cycling is my thing!

I’ve been so lucky to cycle rail trails in different parts of Australia as well as overseas. I have experienced these great assets and seen first-hand how they have enhanced these regions! I’m terribly supportive and excited for the New England Rail Trail initiative.

Join us

Become a Member!

We have lost some battles, but we haven’t given up on our Rail Trail! To support us and stay in the loop about developments of the New England Rail Trail consider purchasing a membership, adding your voice to the ever-growing movement of supporters for this transformative regional development project.

Who are the

Friends of New England Rail Trail?

Why do the