WHILE the Inland Rail project has been shuttered off from the New South Wales town of Parkes onwards in a dramatic Federal Government announcement on Wednesday, Inland Rail has confirmed that there will be no effect to local construction, including the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, and recent works in Broadford and Wandong.
Inland Rail confirmed that the project will continue as normal in a media release on Thursday.
“Inland Rail has been focusing our construction activities on the Beveridge to Parkes section of the project since a staged approach to delivery was recommended by the independent review into Inland Rail in April 2023 and has made substantial progress towards delivery,” they said.
“The Government also confirmed that it is focused on working with the Queensland and New South Wales Governments to preserve the rail corridor north of Parkes. We are working through the details of this currently with the Federal Government.
“This hugely important work will be led by our new permanently appointed Chair of the Board, Dr Collette Burke, and by our incoming Chief Executive Officer Dr Sean Sweeney, who will begin with Inland Rail on 1 July 2026.”
Inland Rail’s Brent Hooley confirmed the works specific to the local area will continue as normal.
“The Beveridge to Albury project is part of approved works and will continue as planned,” he said.
The confirmation of Beveridge remaining unchanged was also confirmed by a National Intermodal spokesperson.
“The announcement regarding Inland Rail reinforces the importance of Beveridge as a long‑term, world‑class intermodal precinct. National Intermodal’s delivery of this project remains unchanged, with Stage 1 construction underway and progressing as planned,” they said.
“The Australian Government has confirmed its focus on the existing freight network, continuing the Inland Rail project to Parkes while preserving the long‑term corridor and future intermodal terminal opportunities in Queensland.
“Planning will continue in key locations, including Parkes and south‑east Queensland, to ensure future options remain open, alongside targeted investment in upgrades to the existing rail network.
“National Intermodal continues to play an important role in supporting Australia’s supply chain resilience.”
The funding for the $45 billion project was axed on Wednesday and will stop at the central New South Wales town to connect freight from Melbourne to Perth.
The construction between Beveridge and Parkes will still be due to be completed by the end of next year, where $1.75 billion has been re-allocated to the project, allowing double-stacked freight trains to travel.
The news that the Beveridge Intermodal Precinct will continue as normal will be a relief to local employment as it powers on through the first stage for a mid-2028 opening, where 70 per cent of 17,000 slated jobs could be filled by workers from the Mitchell Shire and City of Whittlesea areas.
The project will be the first terminal in Melbourne to receive and service double-stacked Inland Rail trains.