NSW Govt approves Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project

Delivery of the second phase of Inland Rail in New South Wales will soon get underway as the State Government gives the green light to the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project. 

The project’s Critical State Significant Infrastructure application was approved by the State Minister for Planning and Public Spaces under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. 

This approval will pave the way for faster freight, better connectivity, and a boost in regional jobs. This milestone also marks the final planning approval from the New South Wales Government. 

“The Inland Rail program is another step closer to reality with the planning approval of this important section of the track. 

“This is more than just laying down steel – it’s laying the groundwork for regional growth, unlocking new opportunities in logistics, agriculture, and trade. 

“By shifting freight from road to rail, we’re cutting emissions and making our road network safer,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. 

Phase 2 will deliver about 15 kilometres of new and upgraded tracks between Moree and Camurra. This section of the project will start immediately north of the Alice Street level crossing in Moree and ends at Camurra North, just past the Moree Gun Club. 

This project will involve upgrading 13 kilometres of existing rail track and formation across the Mehi-Gwydir floodplain and building around 2 kilometres of new rail track to bypass the existing Camurra Hairpin. A 1.3-kilometre spur will also be delivered to reconnect the Weemelah line. 

Proposed works under Phase 2 will include: 

• Revising the position of the railway corridor to provide the maximum operational efficiency. This includes bypassing the current hairpin turn at Camurra 

• Raising railway heights to achieve improved flood immunity and enhance operational capability 

• Replacing and realigning existing bridges over the Mehi and Gwydir rivers 

• Upgrading cross drainage and associated flood management works 

• Modifying, closing or replacing level crossings to improve safety, integrate with the revised railway alignment and maintain property access 

• Replacing or upgrading of utilities, infrastructure and fencing affected by the track upgrade 

Phase 2 works will be linked to the Phase 1 upgraded rail line as well as the Weemelah line that branches off at Camurra. 

“This is the moment regional NSW has been waiting for. The project can move from planning to delivery – unlocking jobs, investment and a faster, smarter freight pathway across the state. 

“It’s a game-changer for connectivity from paddock to port. 

“The independent Schott Review laid bare the scale of the problems we inherited: years of mismanagement, cost blowouts and unrealistic timelines under the former Liberal and National Governments. Today’s approval shows that the Minns Labor Government is doing the heard work to fix the mess and get this project back on track,” Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Once works are completed, up to 21 double-stacked trains will be able to run on the rail tracks along this corridor. This project also represents a major leap toward cleaner, more sustainable and efficient freight movement between regional New South Wales, domestic ports, and international markets. 

The Narrabri to North Start Phase 2 project is expected to create approximately 150 jobs during its construction and 50 ongoing roles. Not only will this development provide a strong boost to the local economy, but it will also help unlock long-term opportunities for regional communities. 

This approval finalises the last of seven sections of the Inland Rail development in New South Wales, building on the momentum of Phase 1 that was approved to deliver 170 kilometres of upgraded track between Narrabri and North Star. 

The approval of Phase 2 includes conditions to address issues such as flooding, biodiversity, social impacts, traffic, and Aboriginal cultural heritage in line with assessment standards. 

“The Minns Government is focused on delivering for rural and regional communities and this final stage of the Inland Rail being greenlit demonstrates our ability to get things done. 

“The project will create more jobs and open up new opportunities for investment in the bush by delivering stronger connections between local producers and their national and international markets,” Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said. 

Earlier this year, Inland Rail awarded a design services agreement to the Arcadis BG&E joint venture to complete a package of design works for the Moree to Camurra section, including the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project. 

Inland Rail will work collaboratively with the joint venture partners over the coming months to refine the design of the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project. 

The Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project is currently under Commonwealth assessment, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Inland Rail (1, 2); NSW Government - Planning