INLAND Rail chief operating officer Ed Walker has spruiked the project’s benefits for regional communities, pointing to the creation of thousands of jobs during construction.
Speaking at the Converge construction conference in Melbourne, Mr Walker told delegates Inland Rail had created 7,674 jobs, with more than half secured by local workers and many more to come.
The 1600km freight rail line is to carry double-stacked trains between Brisbane and Melbourne and is being delivered with, Mr Walker said, a strong focus on community engagement, environmental sustainability and Indigenous participation.
Hundreds of local businesses are benefiting from the procurement opportunities, including 50 First Nations businesses who have won work on the project.
Major track possession works took place last weekend on the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) and Albury to Illabo (A2I) sections, with progress occurring towards completing the Beveridge to Parkes sections by the end of 2027.
In Victoria, the Glenrowan, Barnawartha, Wangaratta, and Seymour-Avenel Rd projects are complete and work at Benalla, Euroa, Hume Freeway – Seymour and Tallarook, Broadford and Wandong is well underway.
In New South Wales, the Parkes to Narromine and Narrabri to North Star (Phase 1) projects have been completed, with the Stockinbingal to Parkes section nearing completion. Works are underway on A2I and Illabo to Stockinbingal.
“Inland Rail is encouraging investment in regional Australia and supporting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics,” Mr Walker said.
“Towns along the route are already seeing the benefits, with new business activity, improved infrastructure, and increased confidence in local economies.
“It’s not just about moving freight faster — it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities.
“Inland Rail in connecting regions, creating jobs, growing regional capabilities, and building a stronger national economy.”