Junee still on track for double-stack trains despite Inland Rail cuts

THE federal government’s plans to scrap the final stages of the Inland Rail project will not derail construction in Junee, with the town still set to play a key role in the network’s future.

While the Albanese government abandons the project’s long-promised northern link to Brisbane amid budget blowouts, the southern stretch between Stockinbingal and Melbourne remains a priority, with completion still on track for 2027.

The southern corridor will enable the movement of double-stacked freight trains between Melbourne and Perth via Parkes.

READ MORE: Inland Rail slashed as costs blow out to $45bn

Over 180 kilometres of existing rail track is currently being upgraded across 24 sites between Albury and Illabo, including multiple locations within Junee Shire.

Work on the line from Junee to Illabo in December 2025 | Photo: Inland Rail

Locally, Inland Rail says works are progressing at pace, with the Kemp Street bridge build now entering a new phase.

The existing bridge was demolished in September 2025, with the key crossing expected to remain closed for around 18 months while the new structure is built.

A spokesperson for the project last week told The Junee Bulletin construction of the new overpass, which will sit 2.5 metres higher than the former bridge, remains on schedule, with the structure set to begin rising over the rail corridor before the end of the year.

“There are currently no delays to the overall program,” the spokesperson said.

Residents can expect to see more visible progress at the site in the coming months.

“Piling and concrete substructure works are already underway, marking a significant step forward.”

“In May and June, scaffolding will be established to support construction of the bridge structure, alongside works on the reinforced soil wall at the Ducker Street abutment.

“The installation of the bridge girders, when the structure will begin to take shape across the corridor, is currently scheduled to commence in the second half of 2026.”

Progress at the Kemp Street bridge site in Junee on April 28, 2026 | Image: © The Junee Bulletin

Originally slated for completion by 2027, the 1,600-kilometre freight project has been plagued by years of delays, political infighting and planning failures, with the latest estimates suggesting the full build to Brisbane would now exceed $45 billion — more than four times the original budget — and not be completed until at least 2036.

Despite more than a decade of work, only 27 per cent of the corridor, or about 436 kilometres, has been completed, including the section from Stockinbingal in the Riverina to Narromine via Parkes.

Confirmation the final stages of the project will now be put on ice has sparked swift backlash, with senior regional figures demanding clarity ahead of next week’s federal budget.

The development has also sparked frustration at a local level, with Junee mayor Bob Callow questioning whether Inland Rail was ever truly going to reach Queensland.

“It has always been the issue,” Cr Callow said in response to The Junee Bulletin’s reporting.

“Will it actually make it to Brisbane as it was always touted? And now they are trying to resurrect the very fast train between the two cities. I can’t believe it.

READ MORE: Leaders slam Inland Rail reversal

“There has to be some transparency here, someone needs to tell the truth for a change.

“I don’t care which side of politics delivers, just stop jerking us all about, please.”

The comments reflect growing regional frustration over years of uncertainty, disruption and shifting timelines surrounding the project, particularly in communities directly affected by Inland Rail construction and planning.