The Minns Labor Government has awarded a AUD 13 million (USD 8.5 million) contract for the construction of a new 1,500-metre rail siding at Wumbulgal, NSW Australia, between Griffith and Leeton in the Riverina, in a move aimed at enhancing freight capacity and reducing delays for both passenger and freight trains.
The project is a key part of the state’s efforts to improve rail infrastructure across regional New South Wales, with the siding designed as a multi-user facility accessible to any rail operator. Currently, grain trains can take up to eight hours to load on the main line, creating a bottleneck that prevents other services from passing. The new siding will allow 1.5-kilometre-long trains to load, park, or pass without obstructing the main track, significantly increasing capacity along the Coolamon–Griffith section.
The siding also lays the groundwork for integration with the proposed Western Riverina Connect (WR Connect) intermodal freight terminal, a joint initiative by Griffith and Leeton councils.
Laing O’Rourke has been selected to deliver the construction, with work scheduled to begin this month.
This development follows a series of recent investments in the region’s freight infrastructure, including a AUD 60 million upgrade to 174 kilometres of track between Junee and Griffith, and an AUD 8 million siding extension at Coolamon.
Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the siding was an important step in the Government’s wider regional infrastructure strategy:
“Modern, efficient rail infrastructure like this siding at Wumbulgal means better outcomes for farmers, businesses and communities, and the Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening regional freight networks now and into the future.”
She added that the investment reflects the Government’s focus on smarter, more strategic planning through the Regional New England and Western (RNEW) Program.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton welcomed the project as a “major win” for the region’s producers:
“The siding and internodal will not only improve safety, but productivity and efficiencies in partnership with the world’s largest freight company.”
She emphasised that open access for all freight operators was critical to supporting local businesses.
State Government spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva highlighted the broader economic impact:
“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering real investment in regional NSW, backing the Riverina with the infrastructure needed to grow jobs and move goods faster and more reliably.”
He added that quality infrastructure remains essential to unlocking growth and improving connectivity for regional communities.
Once completed, the Wumbulgal siding is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of freight movements in the region, supporting both the agricultural sector and broader regional economy while easing pressure on road networks.
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