Inland Rail is a fast freight line that will be delivered in stages to connect Australia while generating regional opportunities during construction and beyond.
The vision for Inland Rail is to enhance our national freight network and supply chain capabilities, connecting existing freight routes through rail, roads and ports, and supporting Australia’s growth.
As each stage is delivered, Inland Rail is better linking businesses, manufacturers and producers to national and global markets and generating opportunities for industries and regions during construction and beyond.
Inland Rail Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), is building Inland Rail on behalf of the Australian Government. As each section of Inland Rail is completed, it will be operated and managed by ARTC.
Inland Rail is being delivered in stages
As it is such a large project, it has been divided into 12 sections.
Inland Rail is on track to complete construction of sections between Beveridge in Victoria and Parkes in NSW by the end of 2027. This will increase rail freight capacity between Beveridge and Parkes and enable double-stacked trains to access existing ARTC freight network connections to Perth, Adelaide and the East Coast.
The Government also confirmed that works north of Parkes will focus on preserving the rail corridor and protecting sites for future Inland Rail intermodal terminals in Queensland. Corridor preservation means protecting the current Inland Rail alignment beyond Narromine in NSW.
Inland Rail is working with ARTC and the Australian and state governments to determine what is required to preserve the corridor.
Working with communities
Building Inland Rail involves ongoing engagement with communities, local councils, businesses, landowners and other stakeholders. Community feedback helps inform planning, design and construction activities and supports better outcomes for the regions where Inland Rail is being delivered.
We host information sessions, presentations and workshops to gather feedback from the community regularly.
Community Consultative Committees provide community members and landowners with a forum to share their knowledge and experience with our team while addressing local concerns.
Working with First Nations communities
Inland Rail is committed to building respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations peoples and communities along the alignment.
We work with Traditional Owners and First Nations stakeholders to identify opportunities for participation, employment, procurement and cultural heritage management throughout Inland Rail’s delivery, helping to create lasting benefits for First Nations communities.
Property and land access
Delivering Inland Rail requires close collaboration with affected landowners.
We are committed to engaging with landowners early, providing clear information about project activities and working together to manage impacts wherever possible during planning, design and construction.
Safety
Safety is at the heart of the Inland Rail program. Safety considerations are embedded throughout planning, design and construction activities. This includes maintaining safe workplaces, applying industry-leading safety practices and technologies, and working to minimise construction impacts wherever possible.
As construction progresses, we encourage motorists, landowners and community members to remain vigilant around rail corridors and level crossings, follow all signage and obey warning signals.
Sustainability
Sustainability is an important consideration in the delivery of Inland Rail.
The project is being delivered with a focus on creating long-term environmental, social and economic value while supporting a more resilient freight network and generating opportunities for regional communities during construction and beyond.
