DownunderCountrygirl
I am a passionate local advocate for the New England - Northern Tablelands areas in NSW, working to bridge the gap in regional transport inequality.
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By reopening the Great Northern Railway, we can unlock new growth, support our elderly, people with disabilities and disadvantaged people, and build a more connected future.
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About DownunderCountrygirl
I am someone who cares deeply for our community... particularly the disadvantaged, the elderly, and those living with disabilities.I know first-hand the impact of transport inequality, having personally navigated the barriers and isolation that our current infrastructure system creates for residents in these regions.I'm a passionate independent advocate for achieving real change for country train travel and regional growth in the New England - Northern Tablelands areas.My vision is for the reopening of the historic Great Northern Railway line from Armidale north to Wallangarra and also right through to Toowoomba, utilizing the Southern line in Queensland and then to Brisbane.Our campaign represents the voices of over 10,740 residents across the New England - Northern Tablelands regions. A petition was formally presented to the New South Wales Parliament on behalf of Trains North, Northern Rail Defenders, and Save the Great Northern Rail on 23rd November 2023. The petition was started by advocacy group Passenger Trains North of Armidale, and was subsequently continued by the community advocacy group TrainsNorth for the protection and revitalization of this vital infrastructure.
The Power of Our Collective Voice
"You’re the Voice" started as a call to action. Born in 1985 from a desire to turn passive observation into personal agency, the songwriters wanted to emphasize a simple, powerful truth... We don't have to sit in silence. We don't have to live in fear of change, and we don't have to accept things the way they are if they aren't working for us.John Farnham’s iconic performance didn't just top the charts... it became a rallying cry for anyone who believes that if we stand together, we can be powerful!That same spirit is what drives our campaign today. By standing together and letting the political powers hear our united voice, we can turn the page on transport inequality in our region.We have a clear and achievable goal... To reopen the historic Great Northern Railway line from Armidale to the Queensland border at Wallangarra, connecting through to the Southern line in Queensland and all the way to Brisbane.The New South Wales state election is in March 2027. We have the perfect opportunity to make our voices heard and influence the political landscape. Let’s make a noise, make it clear, and ensure our communities are no longer left behind.Are you ready to join the chorus?
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Vision of a Connected Future for the Northern Tablelands
Campaign Updates
23rd November 2023A petition was formally presented to the New South Wales Parliament on behalf of Trains North, Northern Rail Defenders, and Save the Great Northern Rail on 23rd November 2023. This petition represented the voices of over 10,740 residents across the New England - Northern Tablelands regions. The petition was started by advocacy group Passenger Trains North of Armidale, and was subsequently continued by the community advocacy group TrainsNorth for the protection and revitalization of this vital infrastructure.
8th February 2024On Thursday 8th February 2024, the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales debated a petition presented to the Parliament by Mr Adam Marshall MP, Member for Northern Tablelands, on reintroducing passenger trains on the Great Northern Railway.The petition asked the Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to reintroduce passenger trains on the Great Northern Railway between Armidale and Jennings/Wallangarra.If a petition gains 10,000 signatures, it is debated in the Chamber. Debates feature members who speak to the petition including the relevant Minister.
14th May 2024In May 2024, our community's concerns about the proposed rail trail were highlighted in an interview with ABC Radio New England, featuring TrainsNorth President Matthew Tierney. You can listen to the full discussion here.
12th June 2026Formal submission by DownunderCountrygirl to Transport for NSW for Feedback on the Draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP)~ Summary ~For a regional transport plan to be truly "integrated," it cannot rely on replacing trains with coaches and leaving historic rail lines to rot. Regional communities deserve the same standard of safety, accessibility, and economic investment as metropolitan areas.In my formal submission I have urged Transport for NSW to take these points seriously, look beyond short-term budgetary constraints, and commit to a full independent inquiry into restoring our vital country rail network.
19th June 2026🚂 BIG UPDATE: Taking Our Fight Straight to the Top!While Transport for NSW is currently going through all of the community submissions for feedback on the Draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), the work to protect our transport future hasn't stopped! Today, a formal strategic strategy has been sent directly to the Federal Transport Minister, Catherine King.With the mega billion dollar Inland Rail project north of Parkes officially on hold, we are presenting the Federal Government with the ultimate common sense, budget friendly alternative that fits perfectly into the region's long term planning: Reactivating our historic Great Northern Railway line!We are shifting the entire conversation to what matters most OUR PEOPLE. This isn't just about tracks; it’s about social justice, safety, and equity for the New England and Northern Tablelands:Below is an outline of the letter to Minister Catherine King👵 1. Equity for Our Aging Population, People with Disabilities & Disadvantaged Residents:
It is completely unfair that our elderly, residents with disabilities, and those without cars are being left stranded. If society wants older drivers to safely transition off the roads, the government MUST provide a dignified, accessible alternative. A community bus or a volunteer tricycle charity cannot replace the smooth, weather proof, mobility scooter friendly lifeline of a passenger train to get people to vital capital city medical appointments!🛑 2. Urgent Public Safety on the New England Highway:
Every single day, everyday families in cars are forced to share single lanes and steep climbs with massive 60 tonne B-Double trucks. Moving regional timber, livestock, and produce to rail removes those heavy trucks from our highway... directly saving lives and making our roads safer for everyone.🗺️ 3. A Smart, "Right Sized" Cross Border Solution:
We already own the corridor! Our tracks run right to the Queensland border at Wallangarra. By reactivating this link and joining with the Queensland Southern line right through to Toowoomba and then on to Brisbane, we can restore a complete interstate passenger and freight network. Using modern track rehabilitation and clever train technology allows us to unlock this vital asset at a fraction of the cost, completely avoiding western floodplains and saving taxpayers billions.Even better? The NSW Government’s incoming regional trains have built in bike spaces! Restoring the train actually helps tourism by letting cyclists bring their bikes right into the heart of our gorgeous region without clogging up the highway with cars.Over 10,740 of us stood up and signed the petition. We aren’t going to let our transport future be short changed or turned into a localized bike path that locks out freight and passengers forever. We are demanding a full, joint Federal State study to look after everyone in our community.
1st July 2026Addendum: Aligning the Great Northern Railway with the 2024 National Defence StrategyOn 1st July 2026, I submitted a supplementary addendum to my initial correspondence with Minister Catherine King, further highlighting the strategic importance of the Great Northern Railway (GNR) corridor.This addendum argues that reactivating the GNR directly supports the 2024 National Defence Strategy’s focus on national resilience and essential infrastructure partnerships.🛑 The key strategic benefits outlined include:♦️ Enhanced National Resilience:
The GNR provides a flood free, naturally resilient, and redundant transport route across the New England Tablelands, offering the Commonwealth a vital capability for crisis response and recovery.♦️ Strengthened Supply Chain Resilience:
Reactivating this existing asset accelerates efforts to secure Australia’s supply chains, supporting the strategy's goal of maintaining robust civil transport capacity to minimize disruptions.♦️ Strategic Cost-Efficiency:
Utilizing an established, state owned corridor offers these benefits without the excessive costs of greenfield earthworks, adhering to a "whole of government" approach to national security.My correspondence urges the Department of Infrastructure to view the GNR corridor not only as a regional transport project but as a critical infrastructure asset that bolsters national security, resilience, and supply chain integrity.
6th July 2026🛑 Big news for our campaign!I am thrilled to share that I have received an official response from the federal Department of Infrastructure regarding our advocacy for the reactivation of the Great Northern Railway line between Armidale and Wallangarra.✅ The Department has formally acknowledged the research and the 'considerable information' we have provided to support this proposal.✅ This is a major milestone and a testament to the effort and passion everyone in our community has poured into this cause!✅ The letter provides us with a very clear path forward.✅ As the rail line falls under the responsibility of the NSW Government, the federal department has directed us to raise our proposal with the NSW Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison MP🛑 IMPORTANTLY the letter notes that if the NSW Government proposes a planning framework or delivery of upgrades for the rail line from Armidale to Wallangarra and seeks Australian Government funding, the request would be considered in the context of future Budget processes.📝 I am already preparing our next submission to ensure our case is presented as strongly as possible at the state level.📢 Now, we need to make our voices heard at the state level!✅ I encourage you to send a brief, respectful message letting Minister Aitchison know how important the reactivation of the Great Northern Railway line is to our region.♥️ Thank you all for your continued support... We are one step closer, and I look forward to keeping you updated as we take this next important step!
✅ Please click the link to visit the NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison's online portal
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19th July 2026🛑 Taking the Great Northern Railway Proposal to the Next LevelI am pleased to share that I have formally submitted a comprehensive proposal to the NSW Minister for Regional Transport, the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP, regarding the reactivation of the Great Northern Railway (GNR) corridor.This proposal highlights the urgent need for a "right sized" transport solution that prioritises regional connectivity and community equity.♦️ My submission emphasises several critical points:✅ National Resilience:
The Great Northern Railway corridor provides a vital, flood free, and naturally resilient alternative route across the New England Tablelands, which is essential as extreme weather events increasingly disrupt coastal infrastructure.✅ True Accessibility:
I have formally challenged the reliance on coaches as a substitute for rail. As someone who has been personally impacted by a medical condition which causes severe swelling of the legs and feet, I have emphasized that long distance coach travel is physically untenable for many seniors and residents with disabilities, mobility or medical challenges.✅ A "Rail with Trail" Approach:
I am advocating for the best of both worlds... A "rail with trail" model that preserves the corridor for essential heavy lifting passenger and freight rail infrastructure while incorporating walking and cycling tracks alongside the track to support local tourism.✅ A Pathway to Funding:
Building on guidance from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, my letter requests that the NSW Government initiate a formal planning framework. By aligning this process with Infrastructure Australia’s Assessment Framework, we can move toward official consideration for the Infrastructure Priority List and future federal Budget processes.♦️ We cannot afford to dismantle a public asset of this magnitude. I am now calling on the NSW Government to partner with the community to secure this vital future for our region.
29th July 2026
Mayor of Armidale Sam Coupland Interview on ABC New England Northwest Breakfast Radio Regarding Rail Trail Community Support
By Dr Siri GamageMayor Coupland was interviewed on ABC New England North West Breakfast this morning (29 June) about the community consultation results for the proposed rail trail between Armidale and Ben Lomond. During the interview, he repeated the claim that more than 80% of submissions supported the rail trail. Let's take a closer look at the figures.According to the consultation summary:-Support from within the Armidale Regional Council area: 396 submissionsSupport from outside the LGA: 549 submissionsSupport with no address provided: 618 submissionsThis gives a total of 1,563 submissions in support, representing approximately 84.5% of the 1,848 submissions received.However, statistics need to be interpreted carefully. Before accepting the headline figure, there are several important questions that deserve answers:-Why were 618 submissions without an address included, when the General Manager had advised participants to provide both their name and address?How were submissions that did not express a clear preference either for or against the rail trail treated?How were conditional submissions assessed? For example, submissions that supported or opposed the proposal only if certain conditions were met.Why were submissions from outside the Armidale Regional Council area given the same weight as those from local residents and ratepayers? Should a submission from the Gold Coast or Northern Rivers carry the same weight as one from a resident directly affected by the proposal?The Armidale Regional Council area has a population of around 30,000 people. Does the Council believe that the 494 local submissions (both for and against) are representative of the broader community?My Change.org petition opposing the removal of the railway line for a rail trail has now attracted more than 5,400 supporters. Shouldn't this also be recognised as evidence of significant community opposition to the proposal?In my view, the proposed rail trail is not an essential infrastructure project. Before committing further public funds, the Council should carefully consider whether there is broad community support. It has already allocated around $2 million towards preliminary work for a new funding application after the previous application was unsuccessful.Projects of this scale are far more likely to succeed when they have clear and demonstrable community backing.I was also interviewed by ABC New England North West today about the consultation results and my petition. I was advised that the interview is expected to air during the Breakfast program at approximately 7.35 am on Thursday, 30 June 2026.I hope you'll be able to tune in.Please stand with us and sign the petition⬇️⬇️⬇️
30th July 2026Dr Siri Gamage spoke to ABC Radio New England North West Breakfast regarding our community's concerns about Armidale Regional Council's recent community consultation results for the proposed New England Rail Trail.Groups advocating for the reopening of the Great Northern Railway line north of Armidale have always advocated for a rail plus trail solution which benefits all of our communities.You can listen to the full discussion here⬇️⬇️⬇️
12th August 2026
🚨 URGENT request from rate payers and residents in Armidale Regional Council area. Help STOP the council spending MILLIONS on a RAIL TRAIL (Bike track in the rail corridor)
There are serious concerns that Council has got its priorities wrong... Committing to a $21 million recreational project with decades of ongoing costs and questionable community support, while critical needs like water security remain unmet and our precious rail corridor risks being lost permanently.We need to stand with the individuals and groups already working hard to stop the rail trail. By working together, we can build the numbers needed to make local opposition loud and clear before Council’s crucial meeting on 26th August.🎯 Our Immediate Goal:
We need 1,500 - 2,000 local signatures from within the Armidale Regional Council LGA by 18th August so it can be included in the official Council meeting papers. We have very little time left!How you can help right now:
✅ Sign the petition: [See link below this article].
✅ Include your town and postcode so our local voice is undeniable.
✅ Share this widely across Facebook, group pages, and direct messages to family and friends.
✅ Get involved locally: Hardcopy signing sheets are available if you want to help collect signatures within your network... Just reach out via the 'Contact' page on this website!♦️ Looking Ahead:
The 18th August target is only the first step. We are aiming for 10,000+ signatures to demonstrate massive, sustained local opposition when this matter goes to the NSW Government.♦️ Together, we can ensure our community's voice is heard, protect our infrastructure, and demand better priorities for our region.✅ Please sign and share the petition immediately to maximise numbers by 18th August 2026
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DownunderCountrygirl
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Wallangarra Station
Connected future for the Northern Tablelands
Rail plus trail future for the Great Northern line
Let's build a Connected Regional NSW for everyone!