Opportunities for local businesses big and small

Over sixty local and First Nations businesses and community members are now ready to benefit from potential opportunities on the Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of the Inland Rail project, after taking part in ‘Meet the Contractor’ events held in Cootamundra and Young at the end of August . Representatives of Inland Rail and I2S contractor John Holland attended events at the Young Golf Club and Cootamundra Ex-Servicemen's and Citizens Memorial Club, following successful events in Wagga Wagga and Cootamundra earlier this year. The ‘Meet the Contractor’ events have created great interest in the region, with around 30 local businesses attending each event to gain a greater understanding of the opportunities available with the project. Attendees heard from John Holland representatives about the types of goods and services that will be required on the Inland Rail project, as well as employment opportunities and general project information. Staged construction is scheduled to commence in September on a new rail line linking Illabo and Stockinbingal, which includes two rail bridges over roads, eight bridges across waterways, a road bridge over the rail line and 10 stock underpasses. These will enable the safe operation of double-stacked freight trains through New South Wales. Businesses interested in supplying to John Holland are encouraged to register for their preferred work packages published on the ICN Gateway website. Inland Rail has been creating business and employment opportunities in New South Wales during design and construction phases on the Albury to Parkes (A2P) section. Between July 2023 and May 2025, Inland Rail spent $17.3 million with 141 local businesses, with 762 people working on the A2P enhancement projects, of whom 208 were local residents, 88 were First Nations and 73 were women. Since 2019, Inland Rail has spent a total of $385 million with local businesses across New South Wales. More information and resources can be found on the Inland Rail website. “Meet the Contractor events are an ideal way for businesses who wish to become involved in Inland Rail to find out more about the project and learn the most effective way to submit expressions of interest," Conrad Strachan, Inland Rail Project Director, Illabo to Stockinbingal, said. “We have received strong interest from local businesses who are keen to become part of the delivery of Inland Rail. “Inland Rail is being predominantly delivered in regional Australia, meaning there is a prime opportunity for regional Australia to reap the immediate benefits that come with construction. “We are incredibly mindful of how sizable investment can reshape regional economies in a short period of time and our focus is on ensuring benefits flow directly to the communities on the Inland Rail alignment.” "The events were a great way to meet local community members and establish long-term business relationships that embrace local knowledge, skills and resources to deliver the best outcome for the project," John Holland Illabo to Stockinbingal Project Director Rob Pitt said. “In addition, there will be positive flow-on effects for a range of service providers, like cafes, retailers and hotels/motels who will reap the benefits of the project.”