Works on Riverina sections of Inland Rail are drawing closer as worker accommodation construction begins. Photo: Inland Rail.
Work has started in Stockinbingal on building an accommodation camp for workers on the Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of Inland Rail.
Inland Rail is a 1600-kilometre freight rail-line project that will connect Melbourne and Brisbane via the Riverina. It is being constructed by the Federal Government-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation. The project is aimed at helping companies send their produce to big cities and ports faster and more efficiently.
Inland Rail has caused controversy in Wagga Wagga, with many residents opposing the number and size of trains expected to travel through the middle of the city and the possibility of their movements delaying travel, causing longer wait times for health care.
Despite the controversy on the Albury to Illabo section, which cuts through Wagga Wagga, the I2S leg has gone off with little to no opposition.
The accommodation camp will provide a home away from home for 350 workers who will be helping build the 39 km of new track over the next two years.
In Grogan Road, between Racecourse and McLaughlins lanes, the early works are the first steps in transforming the 7.7-hectare site into a facility where workers will be housed during the construction of I2S.
The camp will have an array of modern features, including rooms with ensuite, a central dining room, a recreation room, a gymnasium, laundry, car parking and landscaping.
The early works include the establishment of a worksite, including fencing, environmental management measures, water run-off holding basins, access roads, earthworks and laydown areas for starting deliveries ahead of the camp construction work over the next month.
I2S project director Conrad Strachan said the leg was one of the most challenging across the entire Inland Rail scheme.
“The construction of Illabo to Stockinbingal is a major challenge, with 39 kilometres of new rail being built in greenfield sites,” Mr Strachan said.
“This will require a dedicated and efficient team who are able to give their best and help Inland Rail deliver on its undertaking to complete construction south of Parkes by the end of 2027.
“Given the location of I2S and the size of the workforce, accommodation will be created on site so that we can prioritise health and safety, maximise efficiency and not hinder local accommodation providers’ ability to meet the needs of visitors to the area.
“We are looking forward to being part of the Stockinbingal community as we work toward the delivery of I2S.”
