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Register for news updatesNew England Rail Trail Funding Withdrawn
Armidale Regional Council and Glen Innes Severn Council have been informed that the $14.1 million funding for the New England Rail Trail has been withdrawn, despite clear promises by the previous state and federal governments. Both councils had met all the criteria for funding but were stalled in development of the project by government bureaucracy. According to the Friends of NERT, this transformational project has a very large level of community support, including many businesses. “Several businesses offered a substantial amount in donations toward future maintenance of the trail.
The Armidale and Glen Innes regions need projects like this to attract tourism and create business opportunities to improve the economic development of both regions. Rail trails are a proven magnet for active tourism as is evidenced by data from rail trails across Australia and New Zealand,” spokesperson Maria Hitchcock said. Friends of New England Rail Trail seeks support to make this project a reality. Recruiting many more members will demonstrate a strong support base in the community, which will help with council applications for grants. Membership is $12.
Join by emailing: fr***********@***il.com or go to the NERT Facebook page.
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7 comments on “New England Rail Trail Funding Withdrawn”
In my experience, NSW is decades behind the other states, with only a few short trails up and running. While rail easements can only be revoked by act of Parliament, landholders seem to think they own them and sadly, their voices seem to be the loudest.
I have ridden well over 1000 kms of trails in Victoria and am amazed at the level of investment and the obvious good that it does small regional townships. There are some fabulous opportunities in NSW but sadly there is a total lack of imagination.
Decisions made by some uneducated politicians. Come to SA and see what rail trails can deliver.
Extremely disappointing. This will take a lot of momentum out of the effort to get this trail kick-started. Councils struggle to appreciate the tourist value of a rail trail – largely see it as an expense. Just last week 2,500 cyclists in the Great Victorian Bike Ride rode the Great Victorian Rail Trail from Mansfield to Alexandra. Bicycle Network claims from their post event surveys that over 60% of riders in the event are likely to return to one of the towns they visit!!
That would be such a great trail ride. Much cooler in Summer!
Does this mean that it is all over ?
Getting kids off their phones and on their bikes, seems a no brainer.
Come on Barney, do something for your community for once!
This is very disappointing. Short sightedness to the fore. What a phenomenal railtrail development this would be! I hope Railtrails can set up a petition to the state and federal govts on this one.
Why are some governments so short sighted when it comes to funding???