NSW Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail nears construction

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Narrabri to North Star section of the massive Inland Rail development has been granted approval, taking this project one step closer to beginning construction and supporting jobs in New South Wales. 

This approval provides further certainty on the delivery of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail as well as the significant boost to local jobs and investment in the region. 

“Inland Rail will play a key role in getting our economy back on track because it means more people in jobs and it means more productivity for so many industries and local businesses. 

“On the Parkes to Narromine section, 1,800 jobs were supported and more than $109 million was spent with 99 local businesses – we're looking forward to seeing Northern New South Wales enjoy similar benefits soon with construction on this section starting later this year,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

According to Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, Inland Rail will bring in both long and short-term benefits to New South Wales through increased local business investments, significant improvements to the freight network and the creation of more new jobs. 

“Inland Rail will support more than 5,000 jobs in New South Wales during construction and as each section is completed, more fast and reliable rail services will become available to industry and regional producers across Australia. 

“Large scale infrastructure projects are a key driver of growth – driving investment, boosting economic development, creating many new jobs and opportunities for local businesses,” Mr Cormann said. 

Inland Rail - Narrabri to North Star map (source: Australian Rail Track Corporation)

Local communities within the project area are encouraged to engage with the project and take advantage of the opportunities that construction will bring. 

“Inland Rail will be a game changer in Northern NSW and there are endless opportunities for local businesses to take advantage of the next stage of construction between Narrabri and North Star. 

“The first recently completed section – Parkes to Narromine – provided a significant boost to businesses across a range of industries, including concrete supply, transportation, fencing, earthmoving, accommodation, hospitality and security in what has been a difficult time for many rural businesses with drought, fires and now COVID-19,” Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said. 

The Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail development will include upgrading 186 kilometres of existing rail and the construction of 2.3 kilometres of new track near Camurra. 

This section is going to be delivered in two phases: 

• Phase 1 – upgrading 171 kilometres of track between Narrabri and North Star, excluding works over the Mehi-Gwydir floodplain 
• Phase 2 – upgrading 15 kilometres of track crossing the Mehi-Gwydir floodplain and construction of 2.3 kilometres of track at Camurra to bypass the existing hairpin turn 

Inland Rail is a 1,700-kilometre freight rail line – broken into 13 individual projects – running from Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 

This significant rail infrastructure is being delivered by the Australian Government through the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), in partnership with the private sector. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Minister for Finance; Australian Rail Track Corporation – Inland Rail (1, 2); The Northern Daily Leader