Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project update December 2023
On 27 October 2023, project staff, civic leaders and other key stakeholders came together in Milguy to mark the official completion of major construction on the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section.
December 11, 2023
The event kicked off with formal speeches and concluded with a ceremonial laying of the final ballast on the track involving representatives from the three council areas across the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section.
The day also marked the opening of the line between Camurra and North Star, the final stage to be handed back to the track operator, Australian Rail Track Corporation.
This section is now much safer and freight trains can run faster after servicing the facilities at Milguy, Croppa Creek and North Star.
For one primary producer, Boolah Farms, the upgrades also delivered a new ramp near the mainline in Milguy, allowing grain loading direct from the farm and onto the train.
Speaking at the Milguy event in October, Stuart Tighe of Boolah Farms commented on benefits the upgrade has brought to his business.
“It’s a very exciting time to be able to load these trains directly from the field and grain storages. The efficiencies this brings to the supply chain, to be able to move large volumes safely, as well as the cost savings are significant.”
“You can’t get more efficient that that,” said Stuart.
Image caption (top): Ceremonial final laying of ballast on the tracks in Milguy by (L-R) Heather Parry (Inland Rail), Peter Borrelli (Inland Rail), Alex Eddy (Gwydir Shire Council), Cr Susannah Pearse (Moree Plains Shire Council), Cr Darrell Tiemans (Narrabri Shire Council), Andy Buchanan (Trans4m Rail) and Stuart Tighe (Boolah Farms).
Image caption (bottom): Gil Gil Creek Road level crossing in Crooble before the upgrades (left side) and after (right side).
