Friends of the New England Rail Trail group launched
On 31 July, 2024, around 150 people attended the launch of Friends of NERT, which replaces “NERT Inc.” to encompass the full Armidale to Glen Innes rail trail project.
Steering committee member Maria Hitchcock introduced Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland, who officially opened the meeting.
Mayor Coupland called the project – which was first mooted in 2008, 20 years after the last regular train service operated – a “defining” project for the region. He said the process for the project has been slow but had been stymied by 1988 legislation preventing the removal of infrastructure from disused rail corridors: legislation which needed to be amended while maintaining Crown ownership of the corridor itself – something which was only achieved in late 2022.
According to Mayor Coupland, a ‘delay’ motion by council in April resulted in a 6000-signature petition supporting the NERT and hundreds of letters of support sent to councilors and council. Two weeks later that motion was rescinded and the project given the “go”.
He said current funding committed for the Armidale end of the trail was $5.4 million; for the Glen Innes end it was $8.7 million, and more would be needed.
The project straddles two councils: Glen Innes Severn and Armidale Regional Councils.
David Mills, Chair of NERT Inc. said Friends of the NERT members were being sought from the full length of the rail corridor.
Supporters can email fr***********@gm***.com for membership forms.
Visit the RTA website to find out more about the New England Rail Trail
Launch of Friends of NERT
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