New England News

Posted on 24/03/24

The long-awaited New England Rail Trail (NERT) stage 1 from Glen Innes to Ben Lomond in northern NSW is now a very big step closer to construction.

At a pivotal meeting at NSW Parliament House on 13 March 2024, representatives from Glen Innes Severn Council and Armidale Regional Council engaged in discussions with key NSW government officials including the Premier, the Treasurer, and the Minister for Regional Transport, reaffirming their commitment to repurpose the disused rail corridor for community benefit.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Rob Banham said the New England Rail Trail represents a significant opportunity for the New England region, which holds considerable promise for the communities.

“The clarity provided in the meeting enables us to proceed with confidence in delivering the New England Rail Trail, and we are committed to working together with our partners to ensure its successful delivery,” Cr Banham said.

“We appreciate the support from state authorities and look forward to working closely with them to expedite the implementation of the New England rail trail. This initiative will offer recreational opportunities and economic benefits for our residents.”

With clear support from state authorities, both councils are enthusiastic about the opportunities this project presents and are dedicated to its successful completion.

The NERT section planned for construction is from Glen Innes to Ben Lomond, a distance of 36km. Ben Lomond was once the highest altitude station on the Australian rail network at 1363m, before the Northern line was closed in 1989. The rail corridor has been disused since then, a large gap of 35 years.

Construction is expected to begin when all planning work has been completed. Rail Trails Australia will provide further updates.

To see the media release from Glen Innes Severn Council, click here.

NSW Premier Chris Minns (3rd from left) with other NSW ministers and council representatives last week

6 comments on “New England News”

This project has the potential to increase tourism in the area. Small towns could benefit.
Take the example of Linville on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, it has boomed in recent years. Not only are bike riders increasing the visitor numbers, car owners and horse riders are adding to visitor numbers.
The only disadvantage for NERT is the lack of a nearby large population base to provide for users.
A long shot would be extension to Armidale, then back roads to Thunderbolts Way, through Port Steven’s cutting, Nundle, Timor, Scone and you have the potential for a major bike race!

This will be a great boost for New England. Riders will be able to ride through the longest hand cut railway cutting in Australia. It took years to dig and the Rail Trail will honour the work of the people who worked on it. When the Armidale to Ben Lomond section is completed riders from Sydney will be able to travel up by train and the ride in the magnificent New England.

I recommend that a start be also made from the other end. Tenterfield to Wallangarra is ripe for a Rail Trail. Tenterfield is already bike conscious with established and forthcoming Mountain Bike trails. Wallangarra is gateway to the bike friendly Girraween National Park. With some smooth negotiating Queensland may help fund the top end of the New England Rail Trail. This will bring many more visitors to Tenterfield and the beautiful Girraween.

What a great part of NSW!! This could revitalize Ben Lomond back on the map!!

Great, look forward to riding that!

This section of the NERT has the potential to reinvigorate Ben Lomond (pop.150ish).
Maybe a shop (currently, there's none at all) will spring up to serve cyclists coming up from Glen Innes.
Looking forward to the commencement of construction.