Matthew Hannan was reacting to the federal government stating the route will go via Albury-Wodonga rather than the Goulburn Valley.

“Obviously it’s a disappointment for our area, however I think the people that are lobbying for the route through Shepparton won’t be finished yet,” he said.

“Until they start construction we would like to think we’re still a chance and that inland rail would go through our community.”

Cr Hannan pointed to the high volume of produce and grain as an attraction for a Shepparton-Narrandera alignment.

Narrandera Shire has argued a route through its area, rather than Albury, would be shorter, less curved and allow faster transit and larger loads.