Leeton Shire Council is delighted with the NSW Government's announcement that a $13 million construction contract has been awarded for the development of a rail siding at WRConnect (Western Riverina Connect), Wumbulgal. Site works are set to commence this month.
This new infrastructure will significantly enhance freight and passenger rail efficiency across the Western Riverina.
The multi-user rail siding, located on the Griffith end of Leeton Shire, is on the Junee to Griffith rail line. Its development will enable freight trains up to 1.5 kilometres in length to load, park, or pass others without blocking the main line.
Leeton Shire Council Mayor Cr George Weston said the start of construction marks a significant milestone for the region.
"WRConnect has long been identified as a priority freight intermodal within NSW. The volume of goods leaving our wider region is significant and the new siding will facilitate a vast improvement in efficiency and safety across road and rail."
Describing the siding as "the domino we've been waiting to fall," Mayor Weston said it would facilitate freight company MEDLOG's move out of Griffith and enable the full vision for the WRConnect site to begin.
"We thank the NSW Government for their significant investment. It will facilitate getting our region's primary produce and our value-added goods – much of which is for export – to market more quickly and more efficiently," said Mayor Weston.
Griffith City Council Mayor Doug Curran has also expressed his delight with this announcement.
"This investment by the NSW Government is certainly exciting news for the Western Riverina and is a game changer for the movement of freight out of this area. The relocation of the MEDLOG logistics facility to the Wumbulgal site will remove the freight bottleneck out of the Griffith CBD and provide an exciting redevelopment opportunity in the heart of our City."
When making her announcement, the NSW 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."
Construction company Laing O'Rourke has been engaged to deliver the works, with construction commencing from late July and expected to continue through to November 2025, weather permitting. The scope includes installing track infrastructure, including ballast, sleepers and new track.
