Glen Innes Severn Council has announced a significant step forward in delivering the New England Rail Trail by executing a licence agreement with the Transport Holding Entity of NSW through its contractor UGL to facilitate access to the rail corridor.

After almost 12 months of negotiations with UGL, the agreement authorises Council to enter the corridor to undertake the survey and investigation works necessary to complete the on-site investigation works required under the NSW Rail Trails Framework, including environmental assessment.

Mayor Cr Margot Davis says Council has worked hard to meet all the requirements necessary to progress the project and in fact has committed its own funds to keep it on track, with council

Mayor Davis says this $8.7M project will be the largest economic/community project undertaken by Council and whilst delays are frustrating, once the project is delivered, they will be inconsequential in the context of the long-term benefits adding there is no doubt that once the administrative hurdles outside the control of Council are overcome, Council will deliver the project.