This 39km section of Inland Rail creates a new direct route from east of Illabo tracking north to Stockinbingal in New South Wales.

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 up a more efficient way to transport freight through the area. A two-kilometre wide study area has been identified and approved by the Australian Government. This project is currently in the approvals stage.

Snapshot

Type

New track

Length

39km

Anticipated works

Building a new track to bypass local townships and steep, winding track

Status

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Project map

This new track begins east of Illabo, tracking north to Stockinbingal, connecting into the existing Forbes rail line.

Download map

Interactive maps

We have developed interactive consultation and noise maps for the project.

View the consultation map

The noise map shows the noise levels predicted from the railway operations in 2026.

View the noise map

Aerial view near Cootamundra, New South Wales

Illabo to Stockinbingal section fact sheet

This document provides a current status and overview of the Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail.

Download PDF

Related

November 11, 2024

Inland Rail closes in on $500 million spend with local companies

Newly released figures from Inland Rail show that the project has now spent close to $500 million with nearly 750 local companies on the Inland Rail alignment since construction on the project started in 2018, delivering a major boost to regional communities.

November 5, 2024

Illabo to Stockinbingal takes final step on approvals pathway

The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received Australian Government approval, green lighting the project to move into the construction phase in 2025.

September 11, 2024

Illabo to Stockinbingal EIS receives NSW government approval

The Illabo to Stockinbingal section of Inland Rail has received NSW Govt approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) after the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) approved the EIS and supporting documents on Friday, 6 September.