Inland Rail provides $244 million boost to northwest New South Wales
Regional communities in northwest New South Wales, including Moree, Narrabri and Tamworth, have reaped a major economic boost of $244 million as a result of construction of the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section of the Inland Rail project, with major construction of the section set to finish next week.
October 19, 2023
Since starting construction of Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 in September 2020, Inland Rail has spent around $244 million with 137 local businesses in northwest New South Wales, with nearly $9 million spent with First Nations businesses.
These businesses have provided a range of services including office fit out, accommodation and catering, workforce training, equipment supply, earthworks, signage, waste services, hardware supplies, plant and equipment hire, electrical and plumbing services and fencing.
The construction of Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 also provided jobs for nearly 700 local residents representing over 30% of the total workforce on the project, nearly 200 local workers came from First Nations communities.
The section of rail between Camurra and North Star is on track to return to service next week, allowing trains to service grain silos at Milguy, Croppa Creek, and North Star after two and a half years.
The Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 Phase 1 project includes upgrades to 176km of track along the existing corridor from Narrabri to North Star. ARTC’s contractor Trans4m Rail is now undertaking finishing and commissioning works along the alignment.
Scott Willoughby, Lack Group, Group Manager Indigenous and Social Inclusion, said:
“Being a supplier of Traffic Management services for Inland Rail has added real local benefits by creating new employment opportunities for local communities, indigenous employment and learning new skills in the north-western region of New South Wales.
“Having originated from a small rural community, the Lack family understand the importance of a strong commitment to supporting local communities and the opportunities that projects like Inland Rail bring.
“Being appointed as a subcontractor and the work generated on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project has assisted us in enabling a central operational hub as a basis to service the far northern NSW area.
“As a proud indigenous business, we are committed to improving employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Approximately 80% of our employees engaged on the project were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the local area.”
Mayor Mark Johnson, Moree Plains Shire Council, said:
“The construction of the Narrabri to North Star section of the Inland Rail was a significant economic boost for the Moree Plains Shire.
“The opportunities created for both local employment and the use of local contractors was well received by all in our community.
“From coffee shops to heavy machinery contractors the positive economic injection was substantial and far reaching.”
