The Minns Labor Government is delivering critical infrastructure to boost freight efficiency and strengthen regional supply chains, with a $13 million contract awarded for the construction of a new rail siding at Wumbulgal in the Riverina.
The project will deliver a 1,500-metre, multi-user rail siding between Griffith and Leeton - a major step forward in improving reliability for both freight and passenger services across the region.
Designed to be accessible to any rail operator, the new siding will address a major rail bottleneck where grain trains can currently take up to eight hours to load, blocking the main line and preventing other trains from passing.
The siding will allow trains up to 1.5 kilometres long to load, park or pass others without disrupting the main line - boosting capacity and improving efficiency on the track section between Coolamon and Griffith.
The upgrade also sets the groundwork for future connection into the proposed Western Riverina Connect (WR Connect) intermodal freight terminal, a project being developed by Griffith and Leeton councils.
Laing O'Rourke has been engaged to construct the new siding, with work set to begin this month.
This latest investment builds on the NSW Government's recent $60 million, 25-tonne axle-load upgrade across 174 kilometres of track between Junee and Griffith, and an $8 million 1,500-metre siding extension at Coolamon.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"Modern, efficient rail infrastructure like this siding at Wumbulgal means better outcomes for farmers, businesses and communities, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening regional freight networks now and into the future.
"This investment is part of our wider commitment to regional transport infrastructure - reducing bottlenecks, unlocking economic potential, and supporting jobs and industry across the Riverina.
"Through our RNEW Program, we're planning for the future - with smarter, more strategic investment to ensure regional rail keeps pace with the needs of modern freight, agriculture and passenger services."
Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:
"It's great to see the government investing in an open access rail and road freight facility. The siding and internodal will not only improve safety, but productivity and efficiencies in partnership with the world's largest freight company.
"The government and MEDLOG are committing to affordable, open access to all train truck companies which is a significant improvement for business and industry in the Riverina.
"The Wumbulgal rail siding addresses a key freight bottleneck, cutting grain loading times and stimulating investment in faster loading infrastructure. It's a major win for Riverina producers and the wider regional economy.
"By improving freight capacity and reducing delays, we're helping our local agricultural sector thrive - while taking pressure off local roads and improving safety for all motorists."
State Government spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva said:
"This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering real investment in regional NSW, backing the Riverina with the infrastructure needed to grow jobs and move goods faster and more reliably.
"Local businesses cannot grow without access to high-quality infrastructure such as roads and rail connections.
"That's why projects like this are essential to delivering sustainable economic growth for regional NSW."
