INLAND Rail (IR) has announced that construction is set to begin on the Albury to Illabo section of the project following the receival of approval.
IR says Albury to Illabo is set to enter the construction phase as soon as 2025, following approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure which was received last week.
The milestone reportedly comes after more than four years of environmental assessment and consultation with landowners, councils, and the broader community.
IR submitted with its application an environmental impact statement, outlining how the project may affect the environment and how any impacts would be avoided or minimised, along with a preferred infrastructure report which addressed issues raised in submissions from the public on the statement.
The decision paves the way for major construction to commence and is a key step in Inland Rail’s staged approach to delivering the sections of the project from Beveridge, Victoria to Parkes, NSW by 2027.
In 2023 IR appointed contractor Martinus Rail to start the design and preliminary works for the Albury to Illabo section, and expects the project will open up new opportunities for local businesses and workers, with IR having already held a number of induction events.
The 185 kilometre Albury to Illabo section includes enhancements along the existing rail corridor from the Victoria-NSW border to Illabo in regional NSW.
While IR will use the existing rail line, it says 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.
James Kennedy, delivery director of IR Albury to Parkes, said “Being granted NSW 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”.
“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,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Inland Rail will support the shift of more goods onto rail, meaning faster, more reliable freight; safer, less congested roads; and fewer emissions.”
