PHASE 2 of the Narrabri to North Star section of the inland rail project is set to resume, with work on 15 kilometres of track between Moree and Camurra North getting the greenlight following planning approval.

Running through Moree Plains Shire, the new line forms a key link in the Inland Rail network.

The milestone marks the final planning approval required in NSW for the Commonwealth-funded 1700km freight link from Melbourne to Brisbane, which will cut travel times to under 24 hours and ease pressure on Sydney’s metropolitan rail network.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the inland rail program is another step closer to reality with the planning approval of an important section of the track.

“This is more than just laying down steel – it’s laying the groundwork for regional growth, unlocking new opportunities in logistics, agriculture, and trade,” Mr Scully said.

“By shifting freight from road to rail, we’re cutting emissions and making our road network safer.”

Once completed, the corridor will be capable of carrying up to 21 double-stacked trains and represents a major leap toward cleaner, more sustainable and efficient freight movement between regional New South Wales, domestic ports and international markets.

The Moree Plains phase of the project is expected to create around 150 jobs during construction and 50 ongoing roles, and deliver a strong boost to the local economy as well as unlock long-term opportunities for regional communities. The approval finalises the last of seven sections of Inland Rail in NSW.

It builds on the momentum of Phase 1, which is approved to deliver 170 kilometres of upgraded track between Narrabri and North Star.

The project’s approval includes conditions to address issues such as flooding, biodiversity, social impacts, traffic, and Aboriginal cultural heritage in line with assessment standards.

Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said this the moment regional NSW has been waiting for.

“The project can move from planning to delivery – unlocking jobs, investment and a faster, smarter freight pathway across the state,” she said.

“It’s a game-changer for connectivity from paddock to port.

“The independent Schott Review laid bare the scale of the problems we inherited: years of mismanagement, cost blowouts and unrealistic timelines under the former Liberal and National Governments.

“Today’s approval shows that the Minns Labor Government is doing the hard work to fix the mess and get this project back on track,” she said.

For more information, visit Narrabri to North Star Inland Rail.