Family First NSW Legislative Council candidate Lyle Shelton has vowed to fight for the full restoration of the Inland Rail project if elected at the March 2027 state election, declaring the cancellation a blow to regional economies and Australia's future productivity.
The federal government this week abandoned plans to complete the Melbourne-to-Brisbane freight corridor beyond Parkes, citing cost blowouts of more than $45 billion . The decision has been labelled a "disaster" by regional stakeholders who had been planning for jobs, investment and economic growth linked to the project .
Mr Shelton said the Inland Rail was critical, nation-building infrastructure that New South Wales and Australia could not afford to lose.
"This is exactly the kind of capacity-building infrastructure our nation should be investing in, not abandoning," Mr Shelton said.
"I'm tired of the managed decline of our nation — and the inability of governments to build the infrastructure that underpins economic growth, regional development and national resilience."
Mr Shelton said Inland Rail had the potential to transform freight efficiency, reduce pressure on congested coastal networks and unlock billions in economic activity across regional NSW.
"For decades, governments talked about decentralisation and supporting the regions. Inland Rail was a practical way to deliver it."
"Instead, we are seeing short-term thinking and political risk-aversion override the long-term national interest."
Mr Shelton said Family First would advocate for a renewed commitment to complete the full Inland Rail corridor, working with federal counterparts and regional stakeholders to ensure the project is properly planned and delivered.
"Australia once built great nation-building projects like the Snowy Hydro Scheme. Today, we struggle to finish what we start."
"If elected, I will fight to restore Inland Rail and get our state — and our nation — building again."
