Are We There Yet?: Establishment of Transport Links in New South Wales

Abstract

This address covers the development of transport links in New South Wales in the 19th Century, with particular reference to Armidale. The influences on the development of a transport network and how it occurred during the fledgling years of the Colony and more localised areas, such as Armidale, set the scene for future development and growth in the 20th Century and may well influence what happens in the 21st Century. In planning and developing expansion of transport networks and systems, it is often very useful to be aware of and appreciate how existing networks and systems developed and how they impacted on local communities at the time. Often situations have changed little in some areas and therefore some valuable lessons can be learnt from decisions, events and development in bygone years. This serves as a useful means of learning from past actions.