The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail will move into the construction phase in 2025, after receiving approval from the Federal Government.
The project was assessed under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, which focuses on the avoidance, minimisation and management of impacts on biodiversity matters of national significance.
The Commonwealth’s conditions of approval supplement the New South Wales approval to protect threatened species and habitats in the project area.
The 39km Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail will create a new direct route from east of Illabo tracking north to Stockinbingal in New South Wales and is the only new section of track from Beveridge to Parkes.
The route will bypass the townships of Cootamundra and Bethungra and the winding, steep section of track known as the Bethungra Spiral on the Main South line, opening a more efficient way to transport freight.
Works on the Illabo to Stockinbingal section will be carried out by construction partner John Holland, which has been awarded the Design and Construct contract.
The work will include the construction of several bridges and level crossings, numerous culverts, as well as a new crossing loop.
John Holland was selected based on experience delivering major civil and rail projects including being part of the consortium delivering the Inland Rail Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project in 2023 in New South Wales and the North-East Rail Line Upgrade (NERL) in Victoria in 2021. John Holland is also delivering the second tranche of the Beveridge to Albury Inland Rail section in Victoria, with construction works also starting in 2025.
Inland Rail CEO Nick Miller, said, “We are pleased the Illabo to Stockinbingal project has been approved by the Federal Government, which opens the pathway to commencement of construction.
“The approvals process has been a rigorous undertaking, with the New South Wales Government and Federal Government both giving their consent and confirming Inland Rail has met the expectations of all key stakeholders.
“The granting of approval means we can now start construction in partnership with our contractor, John Holland, which we anticipate will take place in the second half of 2025.
“We are fully committed to delivering Inland Rail South of Parkes by 2027 and this milestone is another important step on that journey.”
John Holland Executive General Manager, Steve Butcher, said, “We’re thrilled to be a part of another section of the Inland Rail – a significant project which will improve Australia’s ability to move freight in a safer and more sustainable way.
“This project will also create jobs and help us work with local businesses to boost regional economies and leave a positive legacy.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with Inland Rail to deliver another section of this important project, allowing us to leverage our skills and experience from the other sections of this significant project while also drawing on our long-standing experience in end-to-end rail solutions.”
