A future rail line from Moree to Grafton, via Inverell and Glen Innes, is of major strategic importance for both passenger services and freight movement, The 350 km route is basically three sections.
The 155 km section from Moree to Inverell is complete but under used.
The second 80 km section from Inverell to Glen Innes was proposed by the network founders but never built.
Producers in the Moree area have been “hanging out” for the Inland Rail to be able to transport their produce to the port at a much cheaper rate. The Inland Rail around Moree will always be problematic with floods etc. The line to Glen Innes will be needed when flooding occurs, and provides an East West coridoor connecting three major regions namely the North Coast, New England and Northern West.
There are numerous feed lots along the way which would benefit, with grain delivery and cattle movements. There are also meat processors, such as Bidarre Beef Abattoirs, along the way and many other industries and mines that would benefit from rail transport on this east west link.
Because there would be a major rail junction at Glen Innes, it can become an intermodal centre with a bit of thought and capital investment.
The line to the coast at Grafton, from Glen Innes, will certainly be well used for both freight and passengers. Fruit and vegetables will pass both ways and the interchange of tourist between the two regions will be a huge boost to both economies. But the steep change of altitude between Glen Innes and Grafton could be a major barrier for heavy trains, if the incline cannot be no worse than 1:40.
At times of flood, fire and other disruptions the resilience benefits are significant and a major cost saving.
An example of the potential to Glen Innes lies in the fact that the airport that was built to take bombers during the war, and connections north, south, east and west. Another option has been bought up in council that Glen Innes could be a major garbage incinerator location to attract more business, etc. If there was rail into Glen Innes from all directions this would make the project a feasible industry. Overseas they burn garbage to make electricity which could happen within the Glen Innes renewable energy zone.
This comment from Glen Innes is worth considering:-
“I know that this is only a little bit of what you are looking for but it’s a continuation of what is possible. Once freight is moving passengers can follow. We get a lot of travellers heading through here going to the hot springs at Moree and going beyond to Lightening Ridge. Once connected the towns that have major events will benefit from having more people able to attend via public transport on rail. A train load of visitors will be more beneficial than what a few on bikes will be.”
Clearly the Olympic Games in 2032 would make significant use of a Moree – Glen Innes Grafton Rail passenger rail line.
Benefits
- Connects three major diverse regions in NSW
- Foster new industry and trade giving a measurable economic benefit
- Promotes a four directional movements of tourists, visitors and business activity
- Provides rail loop options to aid disaster management and recovery reduce freight costs, improve passenger journey selectionand provide an attractive tourist route loop from either Brisbane or Newcastle.
- Stimulate the regions’ economies
- Greate employment opportunities
- Deliver revenue to NSW and Australian Governments
- Add to the tourism options for NSW
- Transfer freight from roads to rail in line with government priorities.
- Assist with decarbonisation targets.
- Assist with capturing tourist income from 2032 Olympic Games visitors
Rick Banyard
New England Network
12-jun-2025
