New Song for Campaign to Revive the Great Northern Railway
ARMIDALE, NSW — 21 July 2026: A new locally created song is putting the New England Network’s (NEN) campaign to re-activate the Great Northern Railway (GNR) line between Armidale and Wallangarra back in the spotlight.
The “Great Northern Line” song, created by Tanya Langdon from Ttunes digital creations, using digital and AI music tools, captures the history, romance and future potential of the railway that once connected New England communities daily to Sydney and Brisbane.
The railway north of Armidale ceased operation in 1988, but support for its preservation and re-activation continues to grow significantly across the region.
Many residents believe New England has been overlooked by successive governments, while communities face an ageing population, limited employment opportunities, rising living costs and long distances to specialist health services.
For generations, the GNR was more than a transport route. It carried passengers, agricultural produce and freight, while helping establish the Northern Tablelands as one of Australia’s most productive regional economies.
The New England Network (NEN) believes the preserved rail corridor could again become a vital freight artery between NSW and Queensland, strengthening national supply chains and reducing pressure on the New England and Pacific Highways.
NEN is advocating for a detailed investigation into restoring the standard gauge line from Armidale to Wallangarra, and developing a dual-gauge line through to Toowoomba and its intermodal freight hub.
NEN planners and engineers say restoring freight operations can support proposed industrial investment and jobs at Guyra, including businesses seeking an economical rail connection to the Qube intermodal terminal at Tamworth.
Once the GNR line is re-activated for freight, future regional passenger services will also be possible to add passenger services and convert the GNR into a viable, sustainable artery for the interstate and local economie, emploment and social life of the New England
NEN warns that removing rails, sleepers and other infrastructure for a walking and cycling trail could permanently undermine these opportunities. “Short-term decisions must not destroy a transport corridor that can deliver jobs, freight resilience, regional investment and better passenger transport for generations,” said Deni McKenzie OAM.
The Great Northern Line song celebrates the railway’s past while calling on governments, councils and communities to plan for better outcomes for New Englanders in the near future.
For more information:
Matthew Nicholls
New England Network
+61 459 315 718
mattnich_au@yahoo.com