The reality of the Inland Rail project is setting in with the opening of the Inland Rail shopfront and office in Narrabri, a sign of progress as the commencement on the Narromine to Narrabri section of the railway nears. 

The home base for the project marks a stepping stone towards the beginning of the project, which is currently in the reference design stage and without a shovel to be stuck in the ground. 

Interim Chief Executive of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Rebecca Pickering said the shopfront will bolster the project engagement with the community, while providing opportunity for the businesses within the Narromine to Narrabri stretch. 

“As Inland Rail continues construction…we are focused on working with regional communities to create both short term and long-lasting economic opportunities for local people and businesses,” Ms Pickering said. 

Both the civil works and rail corridor components of the 306 kilometre corridor will seek out partnerships with local businesses to deliver the project, putting out calls to register their interest in the project. 

The office space will cater for up to 10 people who are working on the planning and construction of Inland Rail. 

The biggest section of the new track, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said that the Narromine to Narrabri stretch will require the most skilled workers and suppliers in the state. 

“The economic opportunities this will bring along the Narromine to Narrabri alignment are enormous, providing the chance for local people and businesses to be involved in this once-in-a-generation project,” Mr Coulton said.

At the other end of the alignment, Narromine has been pitched as the ideal location for the southern material distribution centre, due to its prominence and locality along the entire 1700 kilometre track. 

The facility will service the future installation of ballast, sleepers, rail and turnouts along the track, storing the necessary materials to complete the works. 

“In addition to strong materials, we would also set up site offices which will generate long-lasting employment opportunities,” Ms Pickering said. 

“At this point, we’re looking to carry out environmental investigations of an area just outside the Narromine township so that we have a firm understanding on the cultural heritage, air quality, noise and vibration impacts and flooding risks,” she said.

“We will undertake an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment and will be consulting with any people or organisations that hold cultural knowledge relevant to determining the significance of Aboriginal objects and places in the locality.”

The timeline of the distribution centre remains in the environment assessment, with site works not expected to commence until later this year. Until then, the new Narrabri office has become the most material evidence of the project’s impending arrival. 

Mr Coulton is hopeful that it is a sign of increasing benefit to local communities within the corridor. 

“This new office signals an exciting turning point for this part of the project, which will only ramp up from here.”