Melbourne to Brisbane rail link: Final section of Inland Rail given approval in New South Wales
A final section of the over-budget Inland Rail link from Melbourne to Brisbane has been given final planning approval in NSW and is expected to become operational in 2027.
The cost-plagued 1700km project, funded by the Federal Government, is designed to reduce the number of semitrailers on the Pacific Highway in a bid to improve road safety, and take freight trains off Sydney’s suburban rail network.
The New South Wales Government on Friday said it had approved a 184km section between Narrabri, Moree and North Star, near the Queensland border.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The project involves upgrading existing track and building sections of a new rail line through the Narrabri, Gwydir and Moree Plains council areas.
The State Government approval was contingent on flooding, biodiversity, traffic and Aboriginal cultural assessments.
“By shifting freight from road to rail, we’re cutting emissions and making our road network safer,” NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully said.
“This is more than just laying down steel - it’s laying the groundwork for regional growth, unlocking new opportunities in logistics, agriculture and trade.”
Phase 2 of the Narrabri to North Star section is expected to create 150 jobs during construction and 50 continuing jobs.
Upon completion, this rail corridor will be able to transport 21 double-stacked trains.
Construction on the Inland Rail began in 2018 but by 2023, costs had more than doubled to $31.4 billion by 2023, an independent review by Kerry Schott found.
Former Nationals deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce was a key advocate of the project under the former Coalition government, with the Inland Rail running through his New England electorate.
The Commonwealth’s Australian Rail Track Corporation had carriage of the project, involving upgrades to 1000km of existing track and building 600km of new track in regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
It will run from Beveridge north of Melbourne to Kagaru near Brisbane.
