Inland Rail boosting investment in regional Australia
Inland Rail has transformed regional communities, created thousands of jobs and spent $570 million with 1000 local businesses since the project began in December 2018.
September 17, 2025
Speaking at the Converge construction conference in Melbourne today, Inland Rail Acting Chief Operating Officer Ed Walker, told delegates Inland Rail had created 7,674 jobs, with over half secured by local workers and many more to come as construction progresses in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
The 1,600km freight rail line, that will carry double-stacked trains between Brisbane and Melbourne, is being delivered with a strong focus on community engagement, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous participation.
Hundreds of local businesses are benefiting from the procurement opportunities, including 50 First Nations businesses who have won work on the project.
With major track possession works held on the weekend on the Beveridge to Albury and Albury to Illabo sections, Inland Rail is continuing to make progress towards completing the Beveridge to Parkes sections by the end of 2027.
In Victoria, the Glenrowan, Barnawartha, Wangaratta and Seymour-Avenel Rd projects are complete and work at Benalla, Euroa, Hume Freeway – Seymour and Tallarook, Broadford and Wandong is well underway.
In New South Wales, the Parkes to Narromine and Narrabri to North Star (Phase 1) projects have been completed, with the Stockinbingal to Parkes section nearing completion, and works underway on Albury to Illabo and Illabo to Stockinbingal.
Ed Walker, Inland Rail Acting Chief Operating Offer said:
“Inland Rail is encouraging investment in regional Australia and supporting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics.
“Towns along the route are already seeing the benefits, with new business activity, improved infrastructure, and increased confidence in local economies.
“It’s not just about moving freight faster — it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities.
“Inland Rail in connecting regions, creating jobs, growing regional capabilities, and building a stronger national economy.”
