North Star to NSW/Qld Border section update: Autumn 2026
Catch up on the latest progress in the development of the North Star to NSW/Qld Border section of Inland Rail.
March 30, 2026
It’s been a little while since our last update, but project development, site investigations, design refinements and land acquisition negotiations to secure the Inland Rail corridor have continued to progress.
Over the past year, we’ve also made it easier to find the latest project information and started planning the next phase of site investigations and engineering design.
New visualisations and updated website
We’ve released new visualisations to help landowners and community members better understand how the proposed alignment will sit in the local landscape. Our North Star to NSW/Qld Border website has also been refreshed, with better navigation to key documents and the latest project information, especially on mobile phones.
Our latest visualisations compare what key site locations look like now versus what they will closely resemble once Inland Rail is built. These include the Bruxner Highway and Tucka Tucka Road interfaces on this page, as well as the two level crossings that we plan to upgrade with active controls such as bells, flashing lights and boom barriers to improve safety.
You’ll also find a new Resources page and a new Maps page, with downloadable maps.
Image: Visualisation of the Inland Rail viaduct over the Tucka Tucka Road, looking east. A passenger vehicle is shown to scale. Visualisations are for illustrative purposes only.
Upcoming site investigations and surveys
We’re preparing now to kick off the next stage of fieldwork and site investigations in the second half of 2026, which will collect the data we need to keep project development moving.
This site data will give us a clearer picture of local conditions and land constraints, so we can refine the engineering design and progress secondary environmental approvals.
If we need access to properties to conduct any investigations, our team will contact affected landowners directly to talk through timing, what to expect on site, and any conditions our teams need to be mindful of when on property.
Preparing for preliminary design
Once we complete the site investigations, we’ll work with a design consultancy to refine the current reference design and develop a preliminary design for the North Star to NSW/Qld Border section. This step helps confirm a more detailed scope and cost to build Inland Rail. We’ll keep the community updated as we reach key milestones and as design work ramps up.
Future decisions about the construction of Inland Rail in Northern NSW are a matter for consideration by the Australian Government.
We know updates about the alignment can raise questions about property access, potential impacts and timing. Please keep checking the North Star to NSW/Qld Border website for the latest information and visual materials.
You’re also welcome to share feedback with the team at any time. Your local knowledge helps us understand what matters most and strengthens how we plan and deliver our work.
Image: Visualisation of the Inland Rail viaduct over Bruxner Highway, looking north. Visualisations are for illustrative purposes only.
Talk to the Inland Rail team
If you would like to contact Inland Rail’s North Star to NSW/Qld Border team, you can either call, send an email or visit one of our offices. And you’re welcome to subscribe to our enewsletter.
| Phone | 1800 732 761 during business hours or leave a message and we'll get back to you. |
| inlandrailnsw@inlandrail.com.au | |
| Inland Rail Pty Ltd, 28 Marshall Street, Goondiwindi QLD 4390 | |
| Visit | 28 Marshall Street, Goondiwindi QLD 4390 |
Alternatively, you can fill out the below form, and request a team member to contact you:
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The 30km North Star to NSW/Qld Border section of Inland Rail connects North Star in New South Wales to the NSW/Qld Border to Gowrie section in Queensland.
Inland Rail is a 1,600km fast freight rail line, now under construction, that will link Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The route has been divided into 12 sections, to allow for a staged delivery of the open-access fast freight rail line.
