Have a look through ARC‘s own public consultation documents for the New England Rail Trail and one thing becomes very clear: ratepayers are taking on all the financial risk.
ARC claims maintenance will be offset by volunteers, trail donations, and local tourism. But let’s be realistic—volunteers and voluntary donations aren’t going to cover heavy machinery, weed spraying, embankment repairs, or fixing up old bridges after major weather events.
Because Transport for NSW isn’t providing ongoing maintenance funding, any deficit comes directly out of ARC’s general revenue. Private businesses might benefit from the visitors, but if the numbers don’t stack up, it’s local ratepayers who end up picking up the tab.
Justin Williams
Armidale Community Board on Facebook
14-oct-2026