The Hon Barnaby Joyce, MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Media Release, 20 September 2021

More towns and communities in New South Wales will soon be reaping the benefits of Inland Rail, as the project continues to breathe new life into regional economies.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has progressed agreements with Laing O’Rourke (Freight Connect) and Acciona CPB Joint Venture (ACACPB JV) for the detailed designs and civil works construction planning for critical sections of Inland Rail in New South Wales.

These companies will now seek partnerships with businesses and skilled operators that can support delivery of the 306 kilometre greenfield section between Narromine and Narrabri and approximately 100 kilometres of civil works from Narrabri through to North Star and across the border to Whetstone in Queensland.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the agreements would bring on billions of dollars in construction investment for Australia’s east coast, creating jobs and boosting the economic activity of regional New South Wales.

“Inland Rail is a once-in-a-generation, nation-building project that will change the way freight is moved and change the economic fortunes of towns and communities up and down Australia’s east coast for decades to come,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“We are delivering Inland Rail for the benefit of our nation. Already, 2,433 people have been employed to work on the project and more than $2.2 billion has been committed to over 400 companies across Australia.

“With more sections heading into detailed design and planning, the civil works program will deliver even more jobs and stimulus for New South Wales and Southern Queensland.

“Significant construction stimulus is set to flow through the economy, with a share available for transport operators, fencing, quarries, earthworks and electrical companies working to deliver Inland Rail.”

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said construction of Inland Rail was ensuring the essential freight link between Brisbane and Melbourne continues to be delivered, while providing billions of dollars in stimulus to New South Wales.

“Major infrastructure projects like Inland Rail are key drivers of growth – stimulating investment, supporting new jobs and opportunities for local businesses to grow and build capability,” Minister Birmingham said.

“New South Wales stands to receive significant benefits from Inland Rail with a total expected boost to Gross State Product of $3.4 billion during construction and the first 50 years of operation.

“As these civil works programs progress through to final contracts in early 2022, regional New South Wales can expect further milestones that bring on construction and the economy-boosting benefits of Inland Rail.”

Fast facts

Southern Civil Works

• The Collaborative Framework Agreement with ACACPB JV covers detailed design and civil works construction planning for 306 kilometre greenfield section between Narromine and Narrabri in New South Wales.
• The initial CFA is valued at approximately $20 million.
• Subject to planning and environmental approvals, ARTC anticipate that construction activities on this works package will commence late 2022, worth approximately $1.2 billion.

Central Civil Works

• The Collaborative Framework Agreement with Freight Connect covers detailed design and civil works construction planning for approximately:
  • 14 kilometres on Narrabri to North Star (NSW) Phase 2;
  • 39 kilometres on North Star to Border (NSW); and
  • 47 kilometres to Whetstone in Queensland on the Border to Gowrie section.
• The initial CFA is valued at approximately $20 million.
• Subject to planning and environmental approvals, ARTC anticipate that construction activities on this works package will commence mid 2022, worth approximately $1.2 billion.