The Minns Labor Government has greenlit the final leg of Inland Rail in NSW - Phase 2 of the Narrabri to North Star section - clearing the tracks for faster freight, better connectivity, and a boost in regional jobs.
This milestone marks the final planning approval required in NSW for the Commonwealth funded 1,700km freight link from Melbourne to Brisbane, which will cut travel times to under 24 hours and ease pressure on Sydney's metropolitan rail network.
Phase 2 will upgrade 15 kilometres of track between Moree and Camurra North. Running through the Moree Plains Shire, the new line is supported by the council and forms a key link in the Inland Rail network.
Once complete, the corridor will be capable of carrying up to 21 double-stacked trains and represents a major leap toward cleaner, more sustainable and efficient freight movement between regional NSW, domestic ports, and international markets.
This phase of the project is expected to create around 150 jobs during construction and 50 ongoing roles, delivering a strong boost to the local economy and unlocking long-term opportunities for regional communities.
This approval finalises the last of seven sections of Inland Rail in NSW. It builds on the momentum of Phase 1, which is approved to deliver 170 kilometres of upgraded track between Narrabri and North Star.
The project's approval includes conditions to address issues such as flooding, biodiversity, social impacts, traffic, and Aboriginal cultural heritage in line with assessment standards.
For more information visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/assess-and-regulate/state-significant-projects/inland-rail/narrabri-to-north-star
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
"The Inland Rail program is another step closer to reality with the planning approval of this important section of the track."
"This is more than just laying down steel - it's laying the groundwork for regional growth, unlocking new opportunities in logistics, agriculture, and trade."
"By shifting freight from road to rail, we're cutting emissions and making our road network safer."
Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
"This is the moment regional NSW has been waiting for. The project can move from planning to delivery - unlocking jobs, investment and a faster, smarter freight pathway across the state.
"It's a game-changer for connectivity from paddock to port.
"The independent Schott Review laid bare the scale of the problems we inherited: years of mismanagement, cost blowouts and unrealistic timelines under the former Liberal and National Governments. Today's approval shows that the Minns Labor Government is doing the hard work to fix the mess and get this project back on track."
Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
"The Minns Government is focused on delivering for rural and regional communities and this final stage of the Inland Rail being greenlit demonstrates our ability to get things done.
"The project will create more jobs and open up new opportunities for investment in the bush by delivering stronger connections between local producers and their national and international markets."
