Construction on the 1,700km Inland Rail Corridor continues

Major construction works on the second section of the Inland Rail Corridor have started between Narrabi and the North Star region in north west New South Wales.

Phase one of construction between Narrabi and North Star will see The Australian Rail Track Corporation construct the $700 million railway, building 171km of track.

This follows completion of the first section of the Inland Rail that runs between Parkes and Narromine.

This project will see hundreds of local jobs created with the construction of the 1,700km rail. The jobs will creating social and economic opportunities for regional Australia, the government noted in a statement.

“Inland Rail is undoubtedly a game changer, regional Australians who live and work locally need world-class transport and logistics to get their products to market, and the Australian Government has delivered,” said Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development.

Simon Birmingham, Finance Minister, said that Inland Rail is also a critical infrastructure investment which will boost the Australian economy.

“Inland Rail’s fast, reliable and cost-competitive freight will increase the safety and efficiency of the national freight network and ensure Australian businesses remain globally competitive – once complete Inland Rail will deliver cost savings for all Australians who rely on freight for the food they eat, the clothes they wear and the furnishings in their homes and offices,” said Birmingham.

According to a statement released, at the peak of construction the rail will have over 21,500 people employed.

Mark Coulton, Federal Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, said: “The construction of Inland Rail from Narrabri to North Star will directly employ 500 people, with many others to follow for sub-contractors and businesses in the area. These works will bring economic stimulus to the regional communities of Narrabri, Bellata, Moree and North Star.”