NSW Farmers’ Association, Media Release, 27 September 2022

Farmers and landholders in the Riverina are having their say on Inland Rail, according to NSW Farmers.

NSW Farmers Treasurer and Inland Rail Taskforce chair Peter Wilson said there must be benefit for landowners and the broader farming community if railway lines were to cut properties in half.

“The idea of a significant rail line connecting agricultural areas is good, and has been supported by members, but as always the tricky part is actually making it happen,” Mr Wilson said.

“I spent a couple of days around Narromine last week talking to farmers and landholders up there about their concerns, and we’re seeing some similar themes emerge with the Illabo to Stockinbingal section.

“We have expert legal counsel helping us with these submissions, but as always, we want to hear from farmers about their specific concerns too.”

After what has been described as an “extremely poor EIS”, and responses made to public submissions on the Narrabri to Narromine greenfield route, Mr Wilson said he hoped ARTC had learnt the need to work more transparently and constructively with landowners in this area.

Mr Wilson was recently joined by solicitor Peter Holt for drop-in sessions at Curban and Narromine to discuss progress on resolving issues with the project, and said while NSW Farmers was supportive of Inland Rail, there had been several practical problems along the way that needed to be resolved.

“We’ve heard a number of stories from farmers involved in one way or another that are pretty ordinary, and we just need to get it all dealt with so everyone can move forward,” Mr Wilson said.

“NSW Farmers has been speaking with relevant government ministers and departments about the Inland Rail project.

“I know this has been long and arduous for many people, but by coming out and speaking with people in their local communities we can help resolve these problems.”

While the NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce was sunset when outgoing Association President James Jackson left his position, incoming President Xavier Martin decided that Treasurer Peter Wilson should lead further work.

“The Inland Rail Taskforce has been crucial in dealing with the issues and getting a better deal for affected farmers,” Mr Martin said.

“We are investing the resources to keep this work going through to the end of the year, and establishing a new Modernising Rail Infrastructure Taskforce to look at some broader issues that are emerging.

“There will be more to say about this soon, but this new taskforce reflects the intent of resolutions from our members at Annual Conference, and will examine improving rail infrastructure and connectivity to ports – a key issue heading into a state election.”