Construction begins on Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail

The first sod has been turned to signal the beginning of construction on the second section of Inland Rail – between Narrabri and North Star in New South Wales – just weeks after the announcement of a builder. 

The Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) section of the 1,700-kilometre freight rail line is expected to support up to 500 jobs directly from the contractor with more jobs to follow for subcontractors and local businesses in the region. This project is also anticipated to deliver millions in economic stimulus to the State’s north western region. 

“It seems like just yesterday I turned the sod on Inland Rail in Parkes and today we celebrate another momentous occasion with the commencement of the second section between Narrabri to North Star, an equally significant event. 

“This year we completed the first section of Inland Rail between Parkes and Narromine, which has enhanced the connectivity of the national network, joining the east-west Perth line to the north and south spine,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The $693.8 million investment to deliver the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail is set to bring immediate stimulus to regional communities in Narrabri, Bellata, Moree, Croppa Creek and North Star as well as to townships in between. 

“In real terms, it means more money spent locally, more money spent with local, regional and Australian businesses at the same time as building an asset that will benefit our nation for generations. 

“As we build Inland Rail, we lay the track for supply chain efficiencies that will boost the national economy,” Mr McCormack said. 

According to Finance Minister Simon Birmingham, the Inland Rail is a critical infrastructure that is set to provide major benefits to Australia and will help boost the national economy. 

“I welcome the construction of the second section of Inland Rail, which once complete, will deliver cost savings for freight customers including Australian farmers, small businesses and manufacturers, while also providing economic stimulus at a time when Australia needs it most. 

“Inland Rail’s fast, reliable and cost-competitive freight will increase the safety and efficiency of the national freight network and ensure Australian businesses can remain globally competitive and deliver their products to market in Australia and overseas with more ease,” Minister Birmingham said. 

Project map (source: Australian Rail Track Corporation)

Works are now underway at Moree, which is the heart of the Narrabri to North Star section of Inland Rail. 

The Narrabri to North Star project will include upgrading 186 kilometres of existing rail corridor and building 2.3 kilometres of new track near Moree. 

The project is divided into two phases, namely: 

• Phase 1: Narrabri to North Star – upgrading 171 kilometres of track along the existing rail corridor 
• Phase 2: Moree to Camurra – upgrading 15 kilometres of track crossing the Mehi-Gwydir floodplain and building 2.3 kilometres of new track at Camurra, north of Moree 

“It’s a project that will open up eastern Australia for business and allow farmers to get their products to domestic and international markets, which is welcome news for the councils in North West NSW that represents a region rich in agriculture. 

“From the special activation precinct in Moree to Narrabri’s Inland Port, private businesses and industry are setting up shop because they can see the long-term growth Inland Rail is bringing to these regional communities,” Local Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton said. 

Earlier this month, Trans4m Rail – a joint venture between John Holland and SEE Civil – was awarded the contract to build Phase 1 of the project. You can read more about the contract award here. 

Trans4m Rail will be conducting information sessions at North Star, Moree and Narrabri where local communities can engage with the contractor and learn more about regional employment as well as supply opportunities. 

More details on the information sessions can be found here. 

For Phase 2 of the Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail, further design work is currently progressing, and this includes the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the delivery of new track between Moree and Camurra. 

The Inland Rail is a 1,700-kilometre freight rail line – broken down into 13 individual projects – that runs from Melbourne to Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Inland Rail (1, 2)