A $24 million investment into upgrading 96 kilometres of rail between Gilgandra and Coonamble has been eagerly welcomed by key stakeholders. 

The investment was announced by the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway, who confirmed that the funding is part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $400 million Fixing Country Rail Program.

“A lot of work had been put into the development of this project and it is great news we are investing in infrastructure that will directly help freight operators and primary producers, such as grain farmers,” said Mr Farraway. 

Manildra Group’s National Transport and Logistics Manager Mark Owens said the investment will be a positive boost for farmers, manufacturers and exporters in getting goods to the market more efficiently. 

“We have been advocating for this project for some time. We are pleased to hear of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government investment as this project will be consistent with alignment and load limit requirements of the Inland Rail,” Mr Owens said.

The upgrade is expected to help boost freight loads and lower costs.

“The rail line will be upgraded to a 25-tonne axle load, to allow access for heavier trains and increase the total produce that can be transported through the region from the current 84-tonne gross weight limit to 100 tonnes per wagon,” said Mr Farraway.

“By upgrading the rail line between Gilgandra and Coonamble, we’re enabling the line to provide the same axle load capability of the Inland Rail alignment that will connect at Curban in the future.  

“Big loads and long distances are where our rail network shines. Rail freight is the most cost-effective way to transport large quantities over long distances with one 600-metre-long train carrying the equivalent load of at least 54 trucks.”

Gilgandra Shire Mayor Doug Batten said this was a fantastic outcome in ensuring that 25-tonne axle weight grain trains on the Gilgandra - Coonamble line would be capable of joining the Inland Rail line at its intersection at Curban. 

“This is one of many Inland Rail initiatives Gilgandra Council has been advocating for since the announcement of the Inland Rail Project,” Mr Batten said.

“The project is a game-changer for Gilgandra in connecting our farmers to the rest of the state and strengthening our local economy.

“This line services a large cereal and grain producing region supplying the domestic flour milling, oilseed and stockfeed sectors and bulk exports markets via Port Kembla and Newcastle; it is a vital part of the state's economy.”

Coonamble Shire Council Mayor Tim Horan said the project will build on the benefits of another Fixing Country Rail project delivered on this line – the $2.5 million Coonamble rail siding.

“The Coonamble rail siding project was completed in 2020 and has boosted the capacity on this line allowing for an extra 450 operational hours per year on this line,” Mr Horan said. 

“That means more goods are being transported from paddock to port and today’s news will further strengthen the rail line and our supply chain.

“It will also open up opportunities for economic growth for existing business and any looking to move out to the bush.” 

Upgrade work on the line between Gilgandra and Coonamble is expected to start in mid-2023, weather and material supply permitting.