The Hon Aileen MacDonald OAM Province MLC for the Northern Tablelands today slammed the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments for their callous decision to sabotage the New England Rail Trail.

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“This decision has both distressed me and infuriated me because it affects the lives of thousands of people around the 35 km stretch from Glen Innes to Ben Lomond,” Ms MacDonald said today.

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Ms MacDonald said the Glen Innes Severn Council had been successful in securing the $8.7 million from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund only to have it now savagely cut from beneath its feet.

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“This project was much anticipated by local businesses like motels, cafes and bike hire shops because of the revenue it would bring to the region only to have the Minns Labor Government stomp on their dreams,” Ms MacDonald said.

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Ms MacDonald said this project was expected to deliver $5.8 million annually into the local economy.

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“This was going to bring 15,000-day visits, 14,000 overnight visits and lead to the creation of 26 new fulltime jobs, now all destroyed by a government which can’t see beyond western Sydney”, she said.

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Ms MacDonald said rail trails are renowned for ensuring the preservation of rail heritage assets including bridges, tunnels, and cuttings.

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“Our growth, prosperity and connection has now been destroyed in a hasty and devious decision to make us second class citizens,” Ms MacDonald said.

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“It shows absolutely no regard for the long-term benefits for families, businesses and tourism operators.”

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“I am appalled because this savage cut is not just a cut to a rail trail project, but a cut to the future of our regional communities,” she said.

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“I’m appalled the Federal and State Labor governments would make this cut in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” she said.