Inland Rail is a 1,600km freight rail line now under construction that will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. As each section of this rail line is delivered, we are reducing transport emissions, supporting regional communities, protecting cultural heritage, and embedding strong governance to ensure the project delivers benefits well into the future.
Our commitment to sustainability
We aim to create long-term value and deliver Inland Rail with the best possible outcomes for local communities, the economy and the natural environment.
Leadership and awareness
Creating a culture that has the knowledge, skills and resources to maximise sustainability outcomes.
Governance
Integrating sustainability into core business systems and processes, encouraging innovation.
Community and economy
Mitigating social impacts, responding to community concerns and supporting community aspirations.
Environment and heritage
Extending beyond impact minimisation to creating new opportunities for habitat restoration and heritage interpretation.
Resource use
Reducing water, energy and materials, and generating economic value from waste.
Sustainable procurement
Encouraging our supply chain to contribute to our sustainability priorities.
Future operations
Designing and constructing for long-term outcomes such as climate resilience and community legacy.
Environment and Sustainability Policy
Our Environment and Sustainability Policy sets out Inland Rail’s objectives for reducing environmental impacts, enhancing social outcomes, and supporting sustainable economic development.
The policy outlines our commitment to responsible resource use, reducing emissions, protecting cultural heritage, and continual improvement through measurable targets across planning, construction and operations.
Click the ‘Download’ button below to access a PDF version of the policy.
(PDF, 131kB)
Our sustainability progress and impact: 2023-2024 highlights
Our Annual Sustainability Report 2023–2024 highlights the positive environmental, social and economic outcomes achieved across Inland Rail during that period. It showcases how we are embedding sustainability into planning, design and construction – from reducing emissions and waste, to supporting regional jobs, protecting biodiversity and partnering with First Nations communities.
The report outlines our progress against Inland Rail’s sustainability objectives and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering lasting value for communities and the environment.
The Inland Rail Annual Sustainability Report has been prepared to provide stakeholders with an overview of Inland Rail’s environmental, social and governance performance and initiatives. This report is intended for general informational purposes only.
This report does not constitute the Annual Sustainability Report as defined under section 296A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). It does not include the climate statements, notes or directors’ declarations required under the Corporations Act, nor is it prepared in accordance with the sustainability standards or legislative instruments prescribed for statutory reporting purposes.
Readers should not rely on this report for compliance or regulatory purposes. For statutory sustainability disclosures, please refer to the relevant documentation lodged in accordance with the Corporations Act.
Infrastructure Sustainability ratings across our projects
To ensure accountability and transparency, Inland Rail is participating in the ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) rating scheme — a nationally recognised framework that independently assesses sustainability outcomes across planning, design, construction and operation.
Achieving an IS rating provides trusted third-party certification that our sustainability efforts are not just aspirational, but measurable and credible. Each Inland Rail project is registered under this framework, with ratings reflecting how well we are meeting industry best practice in sustainability.
Project highlights
Parkes to Narromine
Certified level: ‘Excellent’ As-Built
Verified IS points: 73
Key performance outcomes (third-party verified):
20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
38% reduction in water use
18.3% enhancement of Ecological Value.
Narrabri to North Star Phase 1
Certified level: ‘Excellent’ As-Built
Verified IS points: 58
Key performance outcomes (third-party verified):
86% enhancement Ecological Value achieving a ‘Exceeding Benchmark’ Innovation
83% inert and non-hazardous waste diverted from landfill
55% office waste diverted from landfill.
Albury to Illabo
On track to achieve an ‘Excellent’ IS rating
Illabo to Stockinbingal
On track to achieve an ‘Excellent’ IS rating
Innovating for a smarter, greener rail future
At Inland Rail, we’re always exploring better ways to deliver sustainable infrastructure. Our innovations demonstrate how creative-thinking and new technologies can improve performance, reduce impact, and deliver long-term value.
Featured Innovations
3D-printed nesting boxes
3D-printed nesting boxes have been developed and installed near construction sites along the Beveridge to Albury Tranche 1 section to provide shelter for local wildlife species.
Rail profile
A new steel rail shape, developed for Inland Rail by Australian steel manufacturer Liberty Primary Steel, improves contact between train wheels and rail tracks.
Earthworks specification
The earthworks specification innovation enables the reuse of previously unsuitable fill material, reducing the need for imported materials. This lowers construction impacts, transport requirements and long-term maintenance costs across the rail network.
Carbon neutral culverts
Inland Rail is the first rail infrastructure project in Australia to install certified carbon neutral concrete culverts.
Mentoring program
The Inland Rail Skills Academy and The Ecoefficiency Group are partnering to provide education on how to develop and improve sustainability policies and actions for small to medium businesses.
Are you a supplier interested in working with Inland Rail?
Our Business Sustainability Skills Program offers free webinars, toolkits and mentoring to help build your sustainability capability.
Sustainable Procurement Policy
Our policy outlines how we work with suppliers to drive sustainable and ethical outcomes through our supply chain.
(PDF, 0.12MB)
