Construction on the Albury to Illabo (A2I) section of Inland Rail is set to commence in 2025, after the project received New South Wales Government planning approval.
The approval from the New South Wales Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is a significant milestone and comes after more than four years of environmental assessment and consultation with landowners, Councils, and the broader community.
Inland Rail submitted with its application an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), outlining how the project may affect the environment and how any impacts will be avoided or minimised, along with a Preferred Infrastructure Report which addresses issues raised in submissions from the public on the EIS.
The New South Wales Government has published its decision and reasonings online, which is available to view on the Major Projects website. In 2023 Inland Rail appointed contractor Martinus Rail to start the design and preliminary works for A2I.
The project will open up exciting new opportunities for local businesses and workers, with Inland Rail already holding a number of successful induction events for local businesses, advising them how to secure work or services on the A2I project.
Since July last year:
- Inland Rail has spent more than $7.4 million with 86 local businesses on the project between Albury and Parkes
- On the same section, Inland Rail has employed a total of 434 people
- 135 of the total are local residents and 40 of the total are women
- 40 of the total are First Nations people
- Of the 135 local residents, 24 are First Nations people
The 185km Albury to Illabo section of Inland Rail includes enhancements along the existing rail corridor from the Victoria-NSW border to Illabo in regional New South Wales.
While Inland Rail will use the existing rail line, enhancements and modifications are required to provide sufficient height and width to support the safe running of double-stacked container freight trains.
Works will include enhancements to rail tracks, footbridges, road bridges, overhead structures, signal structures and level crossings.
Inland Rail Delivery Director, Albury to Parkes (A2P), James Kennedy, said, “Being granted New South Wales 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 the 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.”
