Proposed agreements for the detailed design and civil works construction planning of critical sections of Inland Rail, both involving Narrabri, have progressed.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has advanced discussions with Laing O’Rourke (Freight Connect) and Acciona CPB Joint Venture.

The two companies are now seeking partnerships with businesses and operators to support the delivery of a 306-kilometre greenfield section between Narromine and Narrabri as well as 100 kilometres of works from Narrabri to North Star and across the Queensland border to Whetstone.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the two projects will deliver jobs and investments to the northern part of his electorate.

“We’re already seeing the benefits flow for communities along the Narrabri to North Star section, with more than 160 locals employed and 110 local businesses involved in the project so far, providing a significant economic boost to the North West,” he said.

This will be further enhanced when construction gets underway on the North Star to Border section, ensuring opportunities continue for the North West well into next year and beyond.”

Mr Coulton said the Acciona venture has committed to employing local people, engaging with local businesses and suppliers and working with communities along the route.

“This project is more than just a rail line – not only will it deliver a cheaper and more efficient connection for our region’s producers to get their products to market, it will be the catalyst for future growth, providing endless opportunities for industry to invest in regional NSW and provide long-term employment in our region.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the agreements would bring on billions of dollars in construction investment, creating jobs and boosting the economic activity of regional NSW.

“Inland Rail is a once-in-a-generation, nation-building project that will change the way freight is moved and change the economic fortunes of towns and communities up and down Australia’s east coast for decades to come,” Mr Joyce said.

“We are delivering Inland Rail for the benefit of our nation. Already, 2433 people have been employed to work on the project and more than $2.2 billion has been committed to over 400 companies across Australia.

“Significant construction stimulus is set to flow through the economy, with a share available for transport operators, fencing, quarries, earthworks and electrical companies working to deliver Inland Rail.”

Works south of Narrabri will be conducted by the Acciona venture. A collaborative framework agreement with Acciona covers detailed design and civil works construction for the 306-kilometre greenfield section between Narrabri and Narromine.

The initial agreement is valued at $20 million.

Subject to planning and environmental approvals, ARTC anticipates construction on this package could start in late 2022 and would be worth $1.2 billion.

Works north of Narrabri are covered by an agreement with Freight Connect. Detailed design and civil works construction planning are covered in this agreement.

It includes 14 kilometres on Narrabri to North Star, 39 kilometres on North Star to Border and 47 kilometres in Queensland on the Border to Gowrie alignment.

The initial agreement is valued at $20 million.

Subject to relevant approvals, construction works could start in mid 2022 and this package is also worth $1.2 billion.

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