Southern New South Wales region

Food and fibre processing and consumer goods warehousing are some of the opportunities for investment for 26 local government areas between Narromine and the Victorian border over the first 10, 30 and 50 years of Inland Rail.

Long-term returns for Southern New South Wales

The Southern New South Wales Regional Intelligence report found Inland Rail can support another 670 full-time jobs by its 10th year of operation, and deliver a $410 million increase to gross regional product in that same year.

The benefits for regional economies from this infrastructure will continue long-term with economic modelling painting a picture of employment and gross regional product in the 30th and 50th year of operations as well.

An infographic with text that describes the boost to employment and economic gross product over the short term (10 years), medium term (30 years) and long term (50 years)

Over 50 years, that’s an overall boost to gross regional product of up to $3.8 billion for 26 local government areas in Southern New South Wales. That builds on the local and small business benefits being experienced on the ground and the jobs and Gross Domestic Product anticipated through construction (see the 2015 project business case).

Investment opportunities in Southern New South Wales

Drawing on case studies for growth, local knowledge and Australian data and planning, the research lists specific investment opportunities for the area such as:

  • Consolidated almond processing in the Riverina over the short-term (0-10 years).
  • Canola oil crushing and recycling plants in the medium-term (10-30 years).
  • Consumer goods warehousing and expanded regional airport capacity over the long-term (30-50 years).

The Southern New South Wales study area

With a population of 391,000, including regional centres such as Wagga Wagga and Albury, the Southern New South Wales study area brings $21 billion in gross value added to the state economy.

Approximately 79 million tonnes of road freight is transported to and from this region every year. Agriculture, mining and manufacturing generate a lot of that, with these sectors growing significantly since 2015, making them a potential source of demand for transport via Inland Rail.

The Southern New South Wales study region is made up of 26 local government areas that fall approximately 50km east and 100km west of the Inland Rail line, including Berrigan, Federation, the Snowy Mountains and Weddin. Download the regional intelligence report for a full list.

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