The Glen Innes leg of the New England Rail Trail project is now unlikely to go ahead, with the funding of $8.7 million having been cut by the state government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
The reason given for pulling the funding was missed project deadlines, but Council say that state government departments caused the delays by stalling essential approvals for over a year. Glen Innes Severn Council has said that 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.
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.”
“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.”
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.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has hit out at the NSW and Federal Governments over the funding cuts. “I have been pushing for more funding so it is incredibly disappointing to hear there will be cuts made to the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Moylan said.
“Without funding we won’t have the ability to complete projects, improve facilities and upgrade equipment which are so important to regional areas.
“Whether you were for or against the Rail Trail, the reality is Mr Minns and Mr Albanese have taken approximately $14.1million out of our region.
Moylan has called on the Federal and State Governments to ensure the funding will remain in the Glen Innes and Armidale local government areas for other projects.
The funding, unless reinstated, will revert to the State and Federal Governments.
Council says that its 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.
The funding in question was announced as part of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery projects under the Local Economic Recovery Program, specifically funding to Glen Innes Severn Council for $8.7 million allocated to develop stage one of the New England Rail Trail. This funding was a joint Commonwealth and New South Wales allocation and to be managed through the State Government.
