Albury to Illabo section of Inland Rail approved for development

Construction on the Albury to Illabo section of Inland Rail is on track to commence in 2025 after the New South Wales Government grants planning approval to the project. 

Approval from the State Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure marks a significant milestone on the project after more than four years of environmental assessment and consultation with landowners, Councils and the broader community. 

The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) appointed Martinus Rail in 2023 to undertake design and preliminary works on the Albury to Illabo section. 

“Being granted NSW Government planning approval for the Albury to Illabo section is a significant milestone as we work hard towards delivering Inland Rail south of Parkes by the end of 2027. 

“Following approval, the project will enter construction stage, where we will work closely with our contractor Martinus to ensure the project’s design complies with the planning conditions of approval. 

“Construction of Inland Rail will provide an economic stimulus for the Riverina. We have been active in the region supporting local businesses to prepare for this critical infrastructure project, as we begin major construction in 2025. 

“Inland Rail will support the shift of more goods onto rail, meaning faster, more reliable freight; safer, less congested roads; and fewer emissions,” Inland Rail Albury to Parkes Delivery Director James Kennedy said. 

Alongside its development application, Inland Rail submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that outlines how the project could affect the environment and how any impact can be avoided or minimised. Inland Rail has also submitted a Preferred Infrastructure Report which addresses issues raised by the community on the EIS. 

The State Government’s approval includes consent conditions that relate to traffic monitoring, transport infrastructure upgrades as well as noise and biodiversity management. 

“Improved Inland Rail will enhance our national freight and supply chain capabilities by connecting and improving routes through rail, roads and ports. 

“I look forward to seeing this critical state significant infrastructure project come to life over the next few years and the many benefits it will bring to regional NSW. 

“This project has gone through a rigorous planning process with extensive consultation completed to minimise impacts and maximise the project’s opportunities,” Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said. 

The Albury to Illabo section of Inland Rail will include track enhancements along 185 kilometres of existing rail corridor from the Victoria-New South Wales border to Illabo – including Albury, Culcairn, Henty, Yerong Creek, The Rock, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga and Junee. 

Enhancement works will be carried out to: 

• Rail tracks 

• Footbridges and road bridges 

• Overhead structures 

• Signal structures 

• Level crossings 

Enhancements and modifications made to the existing rail line will ultimately provide sufficient height and width to support the safe running of double-stacked container freight trains. 

“This section of Inland Rail will provide a valuable infrastructure link for the Murray region as it connects with this vital piece of national infrastructure. 

“The NSW Government is working with Inland Rail to deliver this project and strengthen its commitment to the regions. 

“Consumers right across regional NSW stand to benefit with valuable cost savings once the Inland Rail project is complete as our state will have a more efficient and sustainable freight transport. 

“The Albury to Illabo and Stockinbingal to Parkes sections of the Inland Rail project have already injected more than $4.2 million across these local economies with many businesses receiving a timely economic boost during a cost-of-living crisis,” Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 

Approximately $300.8 million has been invested towards the Albury to Ilabo Inland Rail project, which is expected to create up to 770 new jobs. 

The overall Inland Rail development is comprised of about 12 sections that involves enhancement works to around 1,000 kilometres of existing track and construction of about 600 kilometres of new track, running through regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland 

“Inland Rail promises to be a game changer for people across rural NSW. 

“Regional communities need big developments to keep workers in the bush actively contributing to their communities, with this project providing 770 new jobs. 

“We are proud that NSW continues to help Inland Rail’s essential journey through Australia’s three eastern states,” Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Inland Rail (1, 2); NSW Government – Planning; Infrastructure Magazine