Construction contract awarded for $13 million Wumbulgal rail siding project

The NSW government has announced an investment to critical infrastructure to boost freight efficiency and strengthen regional supply chains, with a $13 million contract awarded for the construction of a new rail siding at Wumbulgal in the Riverina. 

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton said: “It’s great to see the government investing in an open access rail and road freight facility. The siding and internodal will not only improve safety, but productivity and efficiencies in partnership with the world’s largest freight company.” 

The project will deliver a 1,500-metre, multi-user rail siding between Griffith and Leeton – a major step forward in improving reliability for both freight and passenger services across the region. 

“The government and MEDLOG are committing to affordable, open access to all train and truck companies which is a significant improvement for business and industry in the Riverina,” Mrs. Dalton added. 

Designed to be accessible to any rail operator, the new siding will address the major waiting time problem where grain trains can currently take up to eight hours to load, blocking the main line and preventing other trains from passing. 

Mrs. Dalton said: “The Wumbulgal rail siding addresses a key freight bottleneck, cutting grain loading times and stimulating investment in faster loading infrastructure. It’s a major win for Riverina producers and the wider regional economy.” 

The siding will allow trains up to 1.5 kilometres long to load, park or pass others without disrupting the main line – boosting capacity and improving efficiency on the track section between Coolamon and Griffith.  

The upgrade also sets the groundwork for future connection into the proposed Western Riverina Connect (WR Connect) intermodal freight terminal, a project being developed by Griffith and Leeton councils. 

“By improving freight capacity and reducing delays, we’re helping our local agricultural sector thrive – while taking pressure off local roads and improving safety for all motorists,” Mrs. Dalton added.