Abandoned section of the Main North line north of Armidale with a post marking the distance from Sydney Central station. Photo by: Kiwifruitboi CC BY-SA 3.0

The railway north of Armidale have been disused for over 25 years.

There is an initiative to convert the track from Black Mountain to Ben Lomond to a rail trail for recreation walking and riding for both horse and cycle.

Another initiative is to run a heritage train from Armidale north and there has been whispers of other transport proposals but nothing definite at this time.

Here in the New England, many memories are still fresh about the closure of the rail line as far south as Tamworth. Whilst that was short-lived and passenger services were reinstated to Armidale, the Northern Railway exists a mere shadow of its former self.

SLA will provide a forum about the future of the Northern Railway on Thursday 7th May, 7pm at Kent House, opposite Central Park. Gold coin donation appreciated.