Projects, news and current events  | 23 February 2026

Rail Trail update: NSW Rail Trail Framework

Residents may soon notice increased activity along the rail corridor as Council progresses the next stage of work required under the NSW Rail Trail Framework.

Following Council’s motion late last year, several detailed studies must be completed before any further decisions can be made. Over the coming weeks, specialists will be on the rail line conducting environmental assessments, Aboriginal heritage impact studies, and a range of other investigations essential to meeting state requirements.

Community members may also see public call‑outs for participants to assist with aspects of the Aboriginal heritage assessments. Additional opportunities for broader community consultation and feedback will follow later in the process.

This work has been flagged for some time, but with on‑ground activity now beginning, Council wants to ensure the community is fully informed. These studies are a routine and necessary step, and there is no need for concern - people may simply notice more movement along the corridor than usual.

Council will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Save the date! It's Autumn Festival

Get ready for a full day of colour, community and festival energy on Saturday, 21 March 2026. From sunrise to late afternoon, Civic Park and the Armidale CBD will be buzzing with experiences, entertainment and family fun.

Start your day with a sunrise spectacle: from 5:30am, Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales hot air balloons rise over the CBD as part of their national tour thanks to the National Gallery of Australia and the New England Regional Art Museum.

Then keep the momentum rolling:

• 7:00am — Breakfast with the Band
• Morning — Campus to City Canter from UNE to the CBD
• 11:00am — Markets + food stalls take over Civic Park with local produce, artisan goods and market favourites
• 11:40am — Look up! Edwards Aviation jet will soar over the CBD followed by Paul Bennett’s first flyover kicks off the afternoon energy
• 12:00pm — The iconic Autumn Festival Parade fills the streets with colour and creativity (and don't forget the best float takes home $1000 in prize money)
• 1:00pm — Kids Zone in Civic Park (activities, rides + entertainment)
• 2:00pm — Sheep Dog Trials + the New England Heritage Festival zone (a brand-new 2026 highlight with working vintage machinery and “lost-trade” demos)
• 2:00pm — Paul Bennett returns with high-energy aerobatics 

New for 2026: a heritage-focused zone celebrating craftsmanship and rural traditions - bringing “old skills, new thrills” right into the heart of the festival.

• Where: Civic Park, Armidale
• When: Saturday 21 March 2026 | 5:30am–5:00pm

Bring your mates, bring the kids, bring everyone. Autumn Festival has something for all ages!

Proudly sponsored by Edwards Aviation

Level 1 water restrictions now in place across Armidale Region

Armidale Regional Council has declared Level 1 Water Restrictions in response to ongoing hot temperatures and minimal rainfall across the region.

Under normal conditions, average recommended water consumption is around 200 litres per person per day. Under Level 1 Water Restrictions, this target reduces to 180 litres per person per day to help protect water supplies during dry periods.

New manager lands at Armidale Regional Airport

Experienced aviation operator Peter Friel has landed in Armidale and commenced work as the new Airport Manager at Armidale Regional Airport.

Peter brings experience, expertise and a clear vision for what’s possible. He is keen to connect and learn, and enthusiastic to work alongside the community and for Armidale region.

World War II fighter plane to thunder over city this Autumn

The 2026 Autumn Festival is set to soar to new heights with the announcement that Paul Bennet Airshows will headline this year’s event, bringing world-class aviation excitement to the skies above the city.

Council welcomes UNE students

Council was pleased to welcome new and continuing UNE students to our region.

The inaugural Mayor's Welcome to the City event in Armidale Mall and UNE Lifesaver Day were great opportunities for council to share council services, facilities, and opportunities -  and showcase some of the beautiful places and spaces in our region!

The event in the mall also celebrated Armidale as a university city and gave new students an introduction to local businesses, services and community connections.

Get your gloves on! Join us for Clean Up Australia Day

Let’s unite to make a positive impact on our community! We’re inviting volunteers to come together, roll up their sleeves, and help keep our beautiful region clean and thriving. Your small actions can make a big difference!

• Date: Sunday 1 March 2026
• Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
• Location: Civic Park, Armidale

$1000 prize up for grabs at this year's Autumn Festival

With Autumn Festival 2026 just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to secure your spot in this year’s Autumn Festival Parade!

Last year’s parade featured more than 60 floats, and this year we’re stepping it up with a $1,000 prize for the best autumn‑themed float.

Whether you’re a business, community group, school, local organisation, or simply someone who loves celebrating autumn in Armidale, we’d love to see you in the parade.

Submit your application today and be part of one of Armidale’s biggest community celebrations!

Council Meetings

The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday 25 March 2026

All meetings will be held at 4pm in the Armidale Council Chambers unless stated otherwise. The public are welcome to watch the live streaming over YouTube, via the link included below, or attend in person.

The meetings are conducted under the Armidale Regional Council Code of Meeting Practice which can be found on the Council’s Policy page.

You are receiving this e-newsletter from Armidale Regional Council as you have interacted with council using this email address. The purpose of this fortnightly e-newsletter is to keep you informed of council news and events which we hope you will find informative.