Inland Rail generating jobs and economic boost for regional communities

Delivering Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes has resulted in $7.4 million spent across 86 local businesses between July 2023 and August 2024 and 135 workers employed on the project this year, taking total numbers of workers employed to 434.

Construction has been progressing strongly on the section from Stockinbingal to Parkes and the latest data shows how that is boosting employment and local economies.

First Nations business across Australia are contributing to the Stockinbingal to Parkes project, supplying more than $161,000 worth of services.

Of the 135 local workers, 24 are First Nations people, making up more than half of the 40 First Nations people who have relocated to the area to work on Inland Rail.

And women make up almost 10 per cent of the workforce, with 40 employed on the project in the period July 2023 to August 2024.

From July 2023 to August 2024, Inland Rail between Albury and Parkes

• 434 people employed, of whom 40 are First Nations
• 135 local residents employed, of whom 24 are First Nations
• 40 women employed
• 33 tradespeople employed
• 86 local businesses engaged
• $7.4 million spent with local businesses
• $161,860 spent with First Nations businesses Australia-wide

Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director Program Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability, spoke about the work the project is doing.

“Inland Rail is bringing benefits to regional communities throughout construction, with local content key to the program’s success,” he said.

“A major focus of Inland Rail has been to build skills in communities along the alignment, so local communities can participate and benefit from in this once-in-a-generation project and others in the future.”