“When I look at the structure we have there, going from start to finish, my thoughts go back to the hard work that went into it,” he said.

“It was built with a pick, shovel and wheelbarrow.

“There were no bulldozers in those days, and the work that went into the structure that’s still there.

“Why don’t we make us of it?”

A supporter of the highly controversial New England Rail Trail, Mr White said he believes the proposal will open up a world of opportunity for Guyra.

Rail trails have had significant success in Tasmania and New Zealand.

“You should never say never, but I don’t think we will ever see trains on that line again,” Mr White said.

“The success they’ve had in other areas – those places have just blossomed.

“Why can’t it happen here?”

The rail trail would have benefits not only for Guyra, but for other regional towns like Armidale, Wallangara and everything in between, Mr White said.

He remembers when the highway still ran through the main street, and when it was suggested it be moved the township said Guyra “would die, we couldn’t do that”.

But Mr White said he doesn’t feel the highway move affected Guyra.

“In fact, I think if you tell visitors there’s a little village close by they’ll be more likely to duck in,” he said. 

“I can’t understand why anyone would be against it.

“I think in some cases it’s because people have properties that lie either side of it – they might be a bit worried about the stock having to cross the trail.

“But, nothing is impossible.”

Mr White said he believes the New England Rail Trail would provide greater economic opportunities for Guyra.

With cyclists heading by the town, he believes they will be more likely to stop off for a coffee and a browse.

“The number of people that are opposed to it are nothing compared to those who are in favour,” Mr White said.

“The infrastructure is gone, the bridges are derelict and the cost of reinstating them would be in the millions.”