Rail Project Axing Pulls 'Economic Rug' From Regions
An independent analysis found the 1,600-kilometre project’s cost had risen from $16.4 billion to more than $45 billion, officials said.
- On Wednesday, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced the 1600-kilometre Inland Rail project between Melbourne and Brisbane will now terminate at Parkes after independent analysis showed costs blew out from $16.4 billion in 2020 to more than $45 billion.
- NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin called the decision "mind-numbingly stupid," while economist Sam Miller noted the move forces freight onto trucks, costing millions in transport fees compared to using rail.
- Nationals leader Matt Canavan and Senator Bridget McKenzie launched a "rescue our rail" petition, with Canavan telling reporters in Canberra on Monday the government removed the "economic rug" from regional communities.
- The Coalition remains critical of the government committing $3.8 billion to Victoria's Suburban Rail Loop while scaling back the regional freight spine, arguing the decision treats regional Australia with "contempt."
- Infrastructure Australia predicts large increases in road freight across Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, noting that with the inland route halted, Australia's reliance on diesel-fuelled trucks leaves the nation vulnerable to global oil supply problems.
14 Articles
14 Articles
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The Border MailCoalition launches plan to derail the axing of 'groundbreaking project'
The Coalition launched its 'Rescue our Rail' petition, accusing the Albanese government of 'contempt' for regional Australia. Discover why stopping Inland Rail at Parkes creates sovereign risk.
Newcastle Herald
Farmers slam 'mind-numbingly stupid' plan to terminate inland rail at Parkes
NSW Farmers head Xavier Martin slams federal Inland Rail cancellation. Discover how this decision impacts Hunter industries and freight costs.
Rail project axing pulls ‘economic rug’ from regions
Nationals MPs have launched a bid to stop a multibillion-dollar rail project through regional communities from being cut in the federal budget. The federal government has announced it will scrap the $45 billion inland rail project in Tuesday’s budget, citing cost blowouts. The rail was intended to be built between Melbourne and Brisbane, but will instead stop in the central NSW town of Parkes after its projected cost tripled in six years. Nation…
Opposition Launches Rail Petition
Senator Matt Canavan May 11, 2026 The Federal Coalition has launched a “Rescue our Rail” petition in support of extending the Inland Rail project into Queensland. The Federal Government announced last week that the much-discussed project would not extend beyond Parkes in NSW. Nationals leader Matt Canavan said Labor’s decision to scrap the project halfway through was devastating for regional communities and must be overturned. “The Inland Rail p…
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