Gilgandra has aired concerns over what impact the Inland Rail project will have over other their ability to use land for housing and industry. 

It comes as the Inland Rail chief executive Nick Miller announced that almost one-fifth of the 1600km $31 billion Inland Rail network from Melbourne to Brisbane is now complete, but that the government-owned agency building the still does not have a clear view on the ultimate cost and finish date. 

However, Mr Miller says the “project is not stalled”. 

The Parkes to Narromine section was completed in 2020 and is now operational. The project involved the upgrade of 98.4km of existing rail track. 

Major construction on the 176km Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 (NSW) section was finished in October 2023. Freight trains are now running in this section. 

However, construction on the section in-between Narromine and Narrabri has not yet begun with Inland Rail explaining on its website that they “are working with the Australian and state governments to gain environmental approvals, secure land and refine designs so we can provide more certainty about the full cost and delivery of Inland Rail”. 

Image: Inland rail. 

 Just under 20 percent of the total network had been completed, up from 17 percent in February. 

However, Concerns over the future of the Inland Rail project is casting a shadow over Gilgandra Shire, with new residential housing blocks about to go to market and thriving local businesses providing positive employment opportunities for locals.  

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was joined by Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud in Gilgandra this week, where they met with Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor Doug Batten, General Manager David Neeves and councillors.   

“Council’s housing development is a great initiative. It’s good to see a council being so proactive in providing more housing blocks to increase the local population and capitalise on future growth opportunities, like the Inland Rail.  

Doug Batten. Image: Gilgandra Shire Council. 

Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor Doug Batten said the council team appreciated the opportunity to engage with two senior Federal Nationals Parliamentarians to raise issues relating to the Albanese Government's action regarding the Inland Rail.  

“The Inland Rail is a pivotal project for regional Australia, particularly along the Eastern Seaboard,” Cr Batten said.  

“Gilgandra Shire Council has sought legacy-building projects as part of the construction of Inland Rail.  

“These issues, together with housing availability and the ongoing sustainability of aged care in smaller communities such as ours, also warranted discussion."  

When the Coalition committed to delivering the project in 2017, the estimated cost was $9.3bn. In 2020, the project’s cost was estimated at $16.4bn with a completion date of 2026-27. A review into Inland Rail released in April last year found the projected cost had grown to $31.4bn with an expected completion date of 2030-31.