VEXED by the controversial New England Rail Trail debate, councillors agreed to conduct a feasibility study in February.
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But, Armidale Regional Council mayor Simon Murray said the question isn’t whether a rail trail is feasible, it’s whether reinstating the rail line is.
“Somewhere in the discussion has to be the question, ‘Will the Department of Transport NSW ever put trains back between Armidale and Wallangarra?’,” he said.
“At the moment there appears no appetite to return trains, so the corridor will remain in the state it is in with deterioration over time.
“Really the question to the community is, ‘Should the corridor remain as is presently being used, or should it be used for some other community use?’”
As it stands the rail line between Armidale and Wallangarra is non-operational but not closed.
Any change in that status would have to be ratified by an act of parliament, a John Holland Rail spokesman said.
“Reinstating the line from Armidale to Wallangarra would require a detailed survey of the corridor to determine what infrastructure work would be needed,” the spokesman said.
Transport for NSW is responsible for the rail line, but the Department of Premier and Cabinet manages the rail trail program.
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A Fairfax Media poll revealed 81 per cent of voters wanted to see passenger trains back on the rail line reinstated.
But, Cr Murray said that if the government wanted to bring trains back, the rail trail, if existing, could be removed.
“Changing use to a rail trail does not preclude trains coming back,” he said.
Without the feasibility study, council and the community can’t meaningfully discuss the merits of the rail trail.
Funded from council’s budget, the study will be done independently to show whether or not the proposal is worth pursuing.
And if it is, council will then undertake community consultation and be eligible to apply for government funding.
Cr Murray hopes government grants could cover the cost of the study, which is yet to be determined.
“Council has commenced a procurement process to appoint a consultant,” he said.
The feasibility study is expected to be underway before the end of April, and be completed by the end of the financial year.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
