Inland Rail secures NSW state approval for Narrabri to North Star Phase 2
Inland Rail’s Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 section has received New South Wales government approval, marking a significant milestone for the project with all New South Wales sections now formally approved by the state government.
December 5, 2025
The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces approved the Critical State Significant Infrastructure application for the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
In June, Inland Rail awarded a design services agreement to joint venture partners Arcadis BG&E to complete a package of design work from Moree to Camurra, including the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project.
Over the coming months, Inland Rail will work collaboratively with the designer to refine the design of the Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project. Key rail design elements will include upgraded and new rail alignments, new rail bridges, additional culverts across floodplains and waterways, level crossings and earthworks.
The Phase 2 project includes the upgrade of approximately 14km of existing rail track and formation across the Gwydir floodplain, and the construction of around 1.6km of new rail track to bypass the existing Camurra Hairpin. The proposal also includes a 1.3km spur to maintain connection to the Weemelah line.
Major construction of the Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section is complete, with upgrades carried out to 163km of existing rail corridor. This section is now much safer, allowing freight trains to travel faster after loading at facilities at Milguy, Croppa Creek and North Star.
The Narrabri to North Star Phase 2 project is now under Commonwealth assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Future decisions by the Australian Government on the delivery of Inland Rail sections north of Narromine will be considered when the Government has more certainty as to the delivery and full cost of Inland Rail.
To view a copy of the Planning Secretary’s Assessment Report and Project’s Conditions of Approval, visit the Major Projects website.
