AUSTRALIA: Railway Supply reported in June on regional mayors’ first reaction to the federal government’s decision to cancel Inland Rail north of Parkes; three months later, the local MP is turning that anger into a formal compensation claim.

Ballast train on the Inland Rail corridor just north of Narrabri, New South Wales
A ballast train on the Inland Rail corridor just north of Narrabri. Photo: Inland Rail Pty Ltd.

Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey held a community consultation meeting to gather feedback for a submission to federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, calling for both compensation and for the project to be completed, according to the Narrabri Courier. “The message was clear: the community feels utterly betrayed,” Chaffey said.

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What the region says it’s losing

The federal government withdrew funding for Inland Rail sections north of Parkes, including the planned Narrabri section, in May, after an independent assessment found the project’s cost had ballooned past $45 billion. Inland Rail had been expected to create more than 450 jobs across Northern NSW and support local businesses during construction. Narrabri Shire Council general manager Eloise Chaplain said the meeting was “a constructive opportunity to discuss the impacts,” while noting the region remains encouraged by continued development interest despite the setback.

A petition running alongside the compensation push

Chaffey is also urging residents to sign the Rescue Our Rail petition, which calls on the government to reverse the decision and complete the project. The announcement does not specify a dollar figure for the compensation being sought, or a timeline for when Chaffey’s submission will reach Minister King’s office.

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