GETTING the New England Rail Trail back on track and intensive horticulture are on the radar for Armidale general manager James Roncon.

Mr Roncon has just re-signed a five-year contract to remain at the helm of Council.

He leads 352 staff and is responsible for a forward budget of $122 million.

Should Mr Roncon remain at the helm of Council until his contract ends in 2030, he would be one of the longest-serving general managers in New England.

(Paul Bennett's tenure as general manager at Tamworth eclipses all colleagues, having been at the helm in Tamworth for 15 years.)

"When I first landed this job, I took the pulse of Council and it was on life support," Mr Roncon said.

That was in 2021. Former chief executive Susan Law had just resigned after a divisive court battle that ultima

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