Fixing Country Rail
Project overview
Funding rail infrastructure enhancement projects that eliminate connectivity constraints on the NSW regional rail network.
Status
In progress
Current Status
Applications for the Expression of Interest Fixing Country Rail are open until 5pm on 14 July 2017. Please refer to the Program Guidelines for information on eligibility, assessment and the application process.
For a copy of the Application Form and the Benefit Cost Analysis Data input spreadsheet please email freight@transport.nsw.gov.au.
Overview
Fixing Country Rail is a program to fund rail infrastructure enhancement projects that eliminate connectivity constraints on the NSW regional rail network and reduce the cost to market for regional businesses. It is designed to complement the Fixing Country Roads program to build an efficient freight transport network in regional NSW.
Projects funded under Fixing Country Rail could include sidings, passing loops, the reopening of non-operational sections and network enhancements that allow the use of faster, longer and heavier trains.
Anyone can submit a Fixing Country Rail project proposal in response to a call for Expressions of Interestbut funding can only be awarded to rail infrastructure owners and managers.
Pilot round: 2016-17
Expressions of Interest for the Fixing Country Rail pilot round closed in May 2016. On 8 August, the NSW Government announced the following successful projects under the pilot round:
| Project | Applicant | Funding recipient | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinstatement of a 3km section of Moree to Inverell railway line | Broadbent Grain | Transport for NSW | Up to $2 million |
| Rail siding extension at Burren Junction | GrainCorp | Transport for NSW | Up to $1.5 million |
| Rail siding extension at Hillston | GrainCorp | Transport for NSW | Up to $3 million |
| Reinstatement of the almost 35km Maimuru to Demondrille railway line (part of non-operational Cowra Lines) | Hilltops Council | Transport for NSW | Up to $5 million |
| Rail siding extension at Barellan | GrainCorp | Transport for NSW | Up to $1.5 million |
| Rail siding upgrade at the Canberra Railway Freight Terminal (Fyshwick) | Access Recycling | Transport for NSW | Up to $1 million |
A total of $1 million will also fund planning and design work for:
- Installation of a new turnout at the centre of Dunmore Loop at Shellharbour to improve line efficiency and capacity
- Installation of a new turnout at Unanderra to allow for longer trains and increased line capacity
- New crossing loop near Tarago to facilitate additional waste train services from Sydney
- Reinstatement of the non-operational line from West Tamworth to Westdale to provide network access for a new intermodal terminal serving the region.
See a map (PDF, 481.58 KB) of pilot round funding.
To find out more see the Pilot Program:
- Overview (PDF, 338.18 KB)
- Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, 287.3 KB)
- Launch Media Release
- Announcement of Successful Projects Media Release