Glen Innes Severn Council has been dealt a crushing blow with the abrupt withdrawal of $8.7 million in funding for the New England Rail Trail by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). This funding, initially announced by Barnaby Joyce in 2021, was secured through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) to aid communities like Glen Innes in recovering from the devastation of the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires.

The decision, conveyed in correspondence from Deputy Secretary James Bolton, came without empathy, consultation, or consideration for the enormous impact on Glen Innes and the broader region. Citing missed project deadlines, the Department ignored the root causes: bureaucratic inertia and state-level delays beyond the Council's control.

Council had committed $170,000 of its own funds to commence survey works required under the NSW Rail Trails Framework. Yet, despite this commitment, it took a staggering 12 months for the State Government entity responsible, to grant access to the rail corridor for essential environmental and site assessments—delays directly attributable to government inefficiencies.

Mayor Margot Davis expressed profound disappointment, stating, “This project was the single most significant economic opportunity our community has ever seen. To have this funding stripped is not just a heartless decision—it’s an act of indifference to rural communities that have endured natural disaster after natural disaster. It disregards the resilience and effort our region has shown in trying to rebuild.”

The funding, unless reinstated, will revert to the State and Federal Governments, robbing Glen Innes of transformative economic and social benefits.

Bureaucratic Delays Undermine Progress
Council has highlighted the hypocrisy of the decision. While the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development blamed Council for not meeting deadlines, it was state agencies that caused the delays by stalling essential approvals for over a year. The irony is stark: the very environmental impact investigations cited as incomplete were delayed by the same government agencies now using them as a reason to withdraw support.

“Tens of millions in capital investment and sustained economic benefits have been stolen from our community,” Mayor Davis continued. “This is not just a setback for Glen Innes—it’s a devastating blow for regional NSW. Bureaucratic roadblocks and political indifference have derailed a project that could have transformed our region for generations.”

A Call for Reinstatement
Glen Innes Severn Council remains steadfast in its commitment to the New England Rail Trail. The Council has formally appealed to The Hon. Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management, and The Hon. Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, calling for a fair review of the decision and the reinstatement of funding.

Mayor Davis concluded, “Natural disasters leave scars that take years to heal. Economic stimulus funding is not just a gesture—it’s an investment in recovery, resilience, and the future. Projects like the New England Rail Trail are legacy initiatives. They don’t just rebuild—they strengthen, inspire, and unite communities. We urge the State and Federal Governments to reconsider and honour their commitment to bushfire-impacted communities.”

Council’s fight for the Rail Trail project exemplifies the determination of regional communities to rise above adversity and build a brighter future. Now, the onus is on government leaders to match that resolve with action.

Glen Innes Severn Council today announced a significant step forward in delivering the New England Rail Trail by executing a licence agreement with the Transport Holding Entity of NSW Through its contractor UGL to facilitate access to the rail corridor.

After almost 12 months of negotiations with UGL, the agreement authorises Council to enter the corridor to undertake the survey and investigation works necessary to complete the on site investigation works required under the NSW Rail Trails Framework, including environmental assessment.

In conjunction with this, Council is awaiting a response to its request in May to amend the project scope.

In considering this request, the Department of Primary Industries and Development has advised it is undertaking a project viability review as it is with a number of other projects funded under the same program.

Mayor Cr Margot Davis commented, “Council has worked hard to meet all the requirements necessary to progress the project and in fact has committed its own funds to keep it on track."

Cr Davis further commented, “In addition to the economic impact of the construction phase on the community, the initial studies for the project outlined the long-term benefits of the project to the community which will be felt for decades to come. In fact, the viability of the project has only improved significantly since the original economic analysis was undertaken given the significant growth in rail trail users across Australia and the increasing role rail trails are playing in driving overnight visitors. Further to this, the amended length is logical and commensurate with other successful rail trails."

"This $8.7M project will be the largest economic/community project undertaken by Council and whilst delays are frustrating, once the project is delivered, they will be inconsequential in the context of the long-term benefits. There is no doubt that once the administrative hurdles outside the control of Council are overcome, Council will deliver the project,” Cr Davis said.

Recent activities have included:

• Receiving a letter of support from the local state member
• Allocating Council funds in order to progress initial works.
• Undertaking a further community survey earlier this year as requested.
• Noting the formation of a local support group for the Rail Trail.
• Liaising with Local Land Services and adequately addressing any biosecurity concerns.

Cr Davis concluded, “This project is vital to diversifying our economy and building visitation to the region, Council is ensuring it does everything possible on behalf to the community to keep it on track."

Glen Innes Severn Council and Armidale Regional Council have gained clarity to introduce the New England Rail Trail following a pivotal meeting at Parliament House on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.

Representatives from both councils engaged in discussions with key state officials including the Premier, the Treasurer, and the Minister for Regional Transport, reaffirming their commitment to repurpose the disused rail corridor for community benefit.

The outcome of the meeting with Minister Aitchison clarified there are no immediate plans to revive rail infrastructure in the region, allowing both councils to focus their efforts on advancing the New England Rail Trail project.

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 rail trail. This initiative will offer recreational opportunities and economic benefits for our residents.”

The primary outcome of these discussions was the affirmation that there is no intention or expectation for the return of rail infrastructure in the region. Instead, the focus was on advancing collaborative efforts between local councils and state authorities to expedite the implementation of the New England Rail Trail project.

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