Construction on the Inland Rail begins in the Northern Inland

Construction of the Inland Rail has commenced in the Northern Inland, with The Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack and Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton turning the first sod of soil in Moree.

Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) is the second section of the 1,700 kilometre Melbourne to Brisbane freight line. This section is expected to support more than 500 direct jobs from the contractor, along with many others for sub-contractors and businesses in the region, providing a much needed economic stimulus to the region.

“It seems like just yesterday I turned the first 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,” Mr McCormack said. “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.”

Mr McCormack said regional Australians were benefiting now, when they need it most, from the record-breaking investment the Australian Government is making into infrastructure – including Inland Rail – right across the nation.

“The $693.8 million construction effort on Narrabri and North Star brings immediate stimulus to the regional communities of Narrabri, Bellata, Moree, Croppa Creek and North Star and those townships in between,” Mr McCormack said.

“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.”

Local Member for Parkes and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton said today’s milestone in Moree at the heart of the Narrabri to North Star section showed Inland Rail was on track for all the right reasons.

“Inland Rail is one of the main reasons I got into politics, so today’s sod turn is a very proud moment for me, and a key achievement for the Australian Government,” Minister Coulton said. "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 represent a region rich in agriculture.”

“Inland Rail is necessary to meet Australia’s growing freight transport task for the next 50 years, and all levels of government are working together to leverage the long-term benefits of Inland Rail to attract new businesses to regional Australia.

“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.”

Minister Coulton said he was pleased the community could engage with the contractor for N2NS, Trans4m Rail, at upcoming information sessions at North Star, Moree and Narrabri to learn more about regional employment and supply opportunities. These sessions will be held in November and December and details can be found events listing of the Inland Rail website.