Engineering, Freight Rail

Planning approval granted to first Inland Rail section

Statue of Sir Henry Parkes. Photo: Creative Commons / Amanda Slater

Following two years of environmental assessments and community consultations, planning approval has now been granted to the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail project, bringing the start of construction another step closer.

Planning approvals from state and federal governments are necessary for the beginning of construction works to begin on the Inland Rail project.

Contracts were awarded earlier this year for the construction of the Parkes-Narromine section, which is to involve upgrades to the existing rail corridor to prepare the line for the “double-stacked” 1.8-kilometre-long trains that will travel on the Inland Rail, through upgrades to the track, track formation and culverts. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller said that the local community were energised about the project.

“We have been working closely with landowners and the community here for over two years,” Wankmuller said.

“We are very grateful for the support, feedback and land access provided which aided throughout the design and environmental assessment process and continues to date. Community feedback has proven invaluable to the process.”

The 106-kilometre Parkes to Narromine section is to utilise existing ARTC operated track. It will undergo extensive upgrades, including the replacement of bridges and culverts, enhanced level-crossings and three new crossing loops at Goonumbla, Peak Hill, and Timjelly. A new 5-kilometre long connection to the Broken Hill line west of Parkes is also to be constructed.

Steel for the Parkes-Narromine track is being manufactured at Whyalla in South Australia by Liberty OneSteel, who will provide approximately 14,000 tonnes of steel. 6,534 tonnes have been delivered so far.

Rocla, from Braema, Mittagong, has the $20 million contract for the production of 200,000 concrete sleeper production. Pacific National began transporting the sleepers from Braema in May, and will run a train carrying 9,000 sleepers to the Parkes-Narromine rail alignment every week over the coming months.

Parkes based companies Calvani Crushing and Ausrock Quarries have also won contracts worth $7 million to supply materials.

“All wheels are in motion for the construction phase to move forward,” Wankmuller said. “Just last month, industry briefings calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for work required on the route were held in Parkes, Narromine and Dubbo. We have had keen interest from the community so far, with over 200 EOI registrations from local businesses.”