Inland Rail inches closer to Narrabri

Narrabri will be the next puzzle piece to fall into place for the Inland Rail project.

Last week, the final golden clip was hammered into the sleeper, marking the completion of the Parkes to Narromine section of the nation’s largest rail infrastructure project.

The next stage of the construction, the Narrabri to North Star section, will see 186 kilometres of track upgraded as well as the construction of a new 2.3-kilometre rail corridor.

Works will cross Narrabri, Moree and Gwydir shires.

The Narromine to Narrabri section of the 1700 kilometre national rail freight development should start late next year.

Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Parkes to Narromine section was built with the skills of local communities – more than 760 locals contributed to the project and almost $110 million was spent with local businesses.

The upcoming projects leading to and from Narrabri are also expected to significantly contribute to local economies in the area.

“As we continue building Inland Rail we will see even more growth opportunities for local businesses and employment for those in regional Australia,” Mr Coulton said.

“We’re now looking ahead to the Narrabri to North Star project, scheduled to commence construction later this year, where we will see similar local benefits as Inland Rail provides a must needed catalyst for stimulus in our regions.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack joined fellow Cabinet colleague Mr Coulton for the historic occasion last week.

“Inland Rail is an investment in Australia – in our economy, in our regions and in the capacity of our future freight network,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is real progress on a project which has been talked about since federation, already our government has delivered more than 1,800 jobs and $100 million in local stimulus through Inland Rail.

“The corridor of commerce we are building with Inland Rail stretches 1700km from Melbourne to Brisbane – we are turning steel into stimulus as we lay the tracks that will deliver jobs and opportunity.

“We have invested $25 million in ballast and capping (800,000 tonnes) from Parkes-based companies Calvani Crushing and Ausrock Quarries – a great example of how local procurement is at the heart of Inland Rail.”

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann described Inland Rail as a once-in-a-generation project that delivers major benefits to the nation.

“Long-haul rail is cheaper, safer and more reliable than road, that’s why the Australian government is enhancing the national freight rail network through our investment in Inland Rail,” he said.

“The shift from road to rail builds resilience in our freight network – not only will Inland Rail deliver a long-term freight solution for Australia to meet the needs of our growing population – it is also a critical investment supporting an efficient Australian economy.”

Companies can register for the N2NS project-related subcontract or supply opportunity via ICN Gateway here.