The construction of the Inland Rail sections from Victoria to Parkes is on track to be completed by 2027.

This statement comes with an update released by Inland Rail in which it listed extensive on-ground work being done in the NSW section.

"In line with the recommendations of the independent review of the project, Inland Rail is currently focused on completing construction of the project from Beveridge in Victoria to Parkes, NSW, by 2027,” a spokesperson said.

"For sections of Inland Rail north of Narromine, Inland Rail is focused on securing environmental approvals and securing the rail corridor,” they said.

"Achieving these objectives will help Inland Rail greater certainty on the prospective cost of finalising the project all the way to Ebenezer, Queensland.”

The project has met with a barrage or criticism from Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, who claimed just before Christmas that it was lagging behind targeted development.

But the Inland Rail spokesperson said they were currently meeting expected progress. "At present, Inland Rail has secured all environmental approvals in NSW, except for a small section in Moree and the approvals process is ongoing in Queensland.

"By mid-2025 Inland Rail expects to be in construction in every section of the project from Beveridge to Parkes."

Geotechnical work begins

The project’s planned geotechnical investigations have begun around Narromine, with more work scheduled into the start of this year.

A drill rig being set up for testing outside Narromine. Image: Inland Rail.

These investigations have been prioritised for completion over the next two years to enable Inland Rail to better understand construction scope, cost and schedule. 

In late December crews visited the first of 14 locations in the Narromine and Gilgandra Shires to undertake geotechnical investigations at potential borrow pit sites. Soil erosion testing at 45 locations, also around Narromine and Gilgandra has begun.

Priorities for the coming year include:

•  Utilities surveys
•  Flood level surveys
• Further geotechnical investigations in the rail corridor. 

A spokesperson for Inland Rail said they are looking forward to working with landowners and residents to gather important information crucial to the progress of the project.