The NSW Nationals in the federal government’s delivery of Inland Rail is continuing to generate opportunities for local businesses, create new jobs, and boost the economic fortunes of regional Australia.
Australian-owned and operated Martinus Rail has been selected to deliver approximately 570 kilometres of track linking Narromine in New South Wales and Gowrie in Queensland.
This includes the Narromine to Narrabri, Narrabri to North Star Phase 2, North Star to Border, and Border to Gowrie sections of the project.
The Rail Corridor Program will deliver an estimated value of more than $300 million, providing work for an estimated 600 people laying 1.7 million tonnes of ballast and 80,000 tonnes of steel rail, and installing nearly 950,000 Australian-made concrete sleepers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the government is continuing to turn its vision for Inland Rail into a reality.
“Inland Rail is delivering a more efficient national freight network that better connects our mining businesses and agricultural producers with domestic and international markets, while ensuring Australians can access the products they need at home,” Mr Joyce said.
“Transporting our most valuable commodities, including iron ore, coal and agricultural products, through a connected network of rail, roads, air and sea is what drives Australia’s economy.
“Our future economic prosperity hinges on our ability to continue exporting the products that fund the services Australians need and deserve and Inland Rail will facilitate this into the future.”
Nationals Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, welcomed the news that Martinus Rail had been awarded the contract to deliver the track from Narromine to Gowrie.
“This contract will directly benefit communities from Narromine to the Queensland border, providing work for local people and businesses,” Mr Coulton said.
“With the construction of the Inland Rail, the Australian Government is bringing immediate opportunities to our regions, delivering multi-billion-dollar projects right here in our own backyard.”
Work on the Rail Corridor Program will commence next year following completion of the collaborative framework agreement and contract signing.
Track works between Narromine and Gowrie will be completed ahead of Inland Rail operations in 2027.
For more information on ARTC contracts and commitment, or to explore opportunities for businesses to help build Inland Rail visit https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/opportunities/
