Friends of New England Rail Trail Inc.

03/03/2026

Welcome to the first of a four-part series containing evidence-based statistics on rail trails in Australia, in easy to read format! 👨‍💼

NSW is falling behind on rail trails. 📊. Unlike NSW, other Australian states and territories have recognised the local economic benefits of repurposing abandoned public rail corridors as a significant tourist attraction through rail trail development.

These graphs, created by Rail Trails for NSW (2026), shows how NSW is slipping behind in terms of both total length of rail trails and kilometres of trails per head of population (second graph in comments section below).

More compelling data in the next edition. 😁

Transport for NSW Tara Moriarty MLC Jenny Aitchison MPChris Minns Brendan Moylan MP

02/03/2026

Please feel free to comment here on this article and please keep it respectful. 😊

Studies by Armidale Regional Council to progress the New England Rail Trail have triggered alarm in campaigners opposed to the project, while Glen Innes Severn have asked the NSW Government for certainty.

25/02/2026

Progress often brings discussion. 😉
This week Mayor Sam Coupland - Armidale Regional Council provided an update on the New England Rail Trail studies, followed by this TV news segment presenting differing viewpoints from across the community.

Major regional projects naturally generate strong opinions. What remains constant is the desire to see our communities thrive. 💪

We remain committed to positive, evidence-based and respectful discussion about the future of this corridor and the benefits it can bring. 🧑‍🦽🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️‍➡️🧑‍🦯🏃‍➡️🐨🚴‍♂️🌿

Armidale Council has confirmed preliminary works will begin next month, on a section of the proposed

23/02/2026

Update today on the progress of the New England Rail Trail from Mayor of Armidale Regional Council, Sam Coupland. 🧑‍🦽‍➡️🚶‍♂️🧑‍🦯‍➡️🏃‍➡️🚴‍♂️🌿

Chris Minns Tara Moriarty MLC Jenny Aitchison MP Transport for NSW Brendan Moylan MP Mayor Sam Coupland - Armidale Regional Council Cr. Margot Davis - Mayor, Glen Innes Severn Council

19/02/2026

Today is a terrific news day! Byron Shire Councillors voted this morning 6/2 in favour of progressing their section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail on formation. This is the outstanding result after 13 years! Cr Asren Pugh led the motion & acknowledged the Northern Rivers Rail Trail team as “extraordinarily persistent.” Well, that persistence paid off! Congratulations NRRT!!🤝👏🏻🥳

17/02/2026

Latest message from the Board!💁‍♂️🙋‍♀️🎤
After the FoNERTs first Board meeting this year, 2026 is off to a strong start for the New England Rail Trail, with solid momentum continuing across advocacy, membership growth, community engagement and project planning. What's been happening.........
🌿Strategic Direction
The Board has taken proactive steps to strengthen the organisation’s future by progressing constitutional refinements to better align with long-term objectives and regulatory requirements. This positions the group well for future opportunities and ensures the organisation remains focused on delivering lasting public infrastructure outcomes.
🌿Membership & Community Support
Membership remains strong, with over 250 financial members supporting the project. New members continue to join, demonstrating ongoing regional and visitor interest in seeing the
trail completed. Community engagement activities such as markets and events continue to generate strong conversations and new supporter sign-ups.
🌿Advocacy & Project Progress
Positive updates have been received regarding progress by regional councils toward completing the preliminary works required to move the rail trail closer to construction readiness. This is an
encouraging step toward achieving the long-term vision of a completed trail connecting our region.
🌿Events & Visibility
Planning is underway for a strong community presence at major regional events, shows and markets throughout the year to maintain awareness and grow support.
🌿Governance & Operations
The Board continues to focus on strong governance, financial management and maintaining monthly meetings to ensure project momentum is sustained. Volunteer opportunities remain an important part of the organisation’s strength, with future opportunities to contribute at events and activities.
👀Looking Ahead
With strong membership support, increasing community interest and steady project progress, 2026 is shaping up to be an important year in moving the New England Rail Trail closer to reality.

👫Become a Member – Help Build the Trail’s Future!
If you support the vision of a completed New England Rail Trail and the economic, tourism and community benefits it will bring to our region, now is a great time to join or renew your membership. This can be done simply on-line via our website (link in comments section). Every member strengthens our voice and helps demonstrate strong community backing for the project. 💪

Together, we are building something lasting for our region. 😀

Transport for NSW Chris Minns Tara Moriarty MLC Jenny Aitchison MP Brendan Moylan MP Barnaby Joyce

10/02/2026

Why are e-bikes booming? 🚲👀
We were pleased to see local newspaper The Armidale Express publish an article this week exploring the rapid rise of electric bikes and what that means for riders of all ages and abilities.

The article (link in comments below) features insights from Armidale local business Bikes on Marsh and highlights how improving technology, better batteries and greater affordability are making e-bikes more accessible than ever. Truly, a bike for everyone!

Towards the end of the article, the potential value of a rail trail in our region was discussed, particularly as a safe, off-road place for people to ride and enjoy cycling away from traffic. 🙋‍♀️🙋

It’s encouraging to see local media recognising how changing technology, active transport and future infrastructure can work together to support healthier, safer and more inclusive ways to get around.

Thank you to The Armidale Express for covering this topic and including the New England Rail Trail in the broader conversation. 🙏

Have you noticed more e-bikes around Armidale lately? 😎

Tara Moriarty MLC Jenny Aitchison MP Chris Minns Brendan Moylan MP Transport for NSW Armidale Express Bicycle NSW