Gilgandra Shire Council's position on the Narromine to Narrabri portion of the much-anticipated Inland Rail route has been an impetus forward momentum.

Shire Council is laying the groundwork—literally—for what it hopes is a bright economic future.

Two new industrial subdivisions on the western side of town are underway with hopes they will fuel business growth, attract investment, and create jobs.

General Manager, David Neeves, said these projects were an exciting development for the Shire’s future.

“Progress in the development of both light and general industrial land is a significant step forward for our town and region,” he said.

The two new industrial precincts are -

97 Warren Road

Work is already underway at this 12-lot light industrial subdivision, which has been designed to cater to the growing number of small to medium-sized enterprises looking to set up shop in the region.

The site will undergo significant upgrades, including road reconstruction on Naden Drive and Collison Drive, stormwater drainage improvements, and extensions to essential services like water, sewerage, power, and NBN infrastructure.

Oxley Highway Industrial Estate

This industrial estate is a much larger transformation.

The Oxley Highway industrial estate has been rezoned from primary production to general industrial use, unlocking 52 hectares of potential for large-scale businesses.

Council is now completing development applications for 21 hectares of land adjacent to the highway, with an eye on attracting industries linked to major infrastructure projects.

“We will have the capability to cater for both light industry that requires a smaller footprint and/or greater exposure, along with larger-scale general industrial developments, including opportunities associated with Inland Rail and renewable energy,” Mr Neeves said.

An excavator ready to dig a test pit as part of geotechnical observations along the Narrabri to Narromine Inland Rail route (Image: Inland Rail).

Council has also resolved to list Lots One - 10 of Gilgandra Industrial Estate Stage Two with local real estate agents, with sales expected to begin in the first half of 2025.

Meanwhile, construction of the subdivision is projected to be completed by late May 2025.

Is track construction "on track?"

As for when this section of rail will be under construction, Inland Rail contractors are currently in the Narromine to Narrabri project area collecting information to inform project planning.

The Narromine to Narrabri project, is the longest section of the project and comprises approximately 306km of new rail corridor and track.

When complete, it will enable freight trains to connect with the section of Inland Rail under construction between Narrabri and North Star and the completed Parkes to Narromine section that supports freight transport to Adelaide and Perth.

Current investigations by Inland Rail in this area include -

• Continuing geotechnical and soil investigations along the alignment.

• Starting utilities investigations and assessing potential for flooding impacts on residences in proximity to the alignment between Narromine and Gilgandra.

• Continuing conversations with impacted landowners around land access and voluntary property acquisition.

• Continuing to address state and Australian Government conditions of approval by developing management plans and strategies like the Fauna Connectivity Strategy and Train Collision Risk Mitigation Plan.

• Continuing investigating locations for potential construction water bores.

• Conducting ecology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage surveys.

According to the February report from Inland Rail, the bulk of these investigations are taking place in the first half of 2025.

Meanwhile, Gilgandra Shire Council is hoping its strategic location, upgraded infrastructure, and commitment to regional economic growth, will help it evolve as the next big industrial hub.

To stay up to date with the progressions of Inland Rail's Narromine to Narrabri project, head to the Inland Rail N2N website.