Funding for the project’s first component, which will secure land for the Melbourne-to-Brisbane freight line, came as a huge relief to many local farmers. 

David Carter, an Illabo harvester for more than 40 years, is still skeptical about the future of the infrastructure, which he said, would be a “huge weight” off his shoulders. 

“They’ve taken the first step, now they've got to put action to words, because a lot of things get talked about and they eventually fall on deaf ears and never get done,” he said. 

“To be able to bring fruit, veges and produce in the containers and transport them by rail will be quicker, cheaper and easier, a huge advantage.

“This will be a huge weight off the shoulders of Riverina farmers in the long term.” 

The route will also encompass the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub (RIFL), arguably Wagga’s most important investment in decades. 

Despite a $10 billion price-tag, NSW Farmers Association welcomed the inland rail funding decision, describing it as “a step into the future”.

"We are very pleased to see this first commitment to get the Inland Rail rolling, this is great news. Purchasing the land is a critical first step but we are a long way from seeing tracks being laid,” president of NSW Farmers’ Association Derek Schoen said. 

“We know that full delivery of this project will provide more efficient access to ports.”

And while the project does not yet have an official start date, Riverina MP Michael McCormack said this time it is “more than just a hope or a soundbyte,” 

“Once completed, it's going to create so many more opportunities for Riverina produce to get to markets quicker, taking advantage of trade agreements we've negotiated,” he said.