The federal budget revealed the government-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ATRC) will be delivering the rail line – aimed at getting farm produce to ports quicker – through Albury and Wagga. 

The MIA’s farmers and freight operators had wanted an alternative route further west through Narrandera, proposed by private consortium National Trunk Rail. 

In her post-budget speech, Ms Ley said ARTC faced a “crisis of confidence” in her part of the world, due to the “shambles” of remedial work they did on tracks between Seymour and Albury.

The Area News has sought answers from the government on why inland rail has been entrusted to ARTC, and will compile a full report when we receive a response.