Inland Rail Bypass for Wagga – Real Investment or Just Another Empty Promise?

The Federal Government has announced $30 million in funding to plan for a potential Inland Rail bypass around Wagga Wagga—but serious questions remain about whether this funding is locked in or just another empty election promise.

Independent candidate for the Riverina, James Gooden, supports the need for a bypass but is calling for clarity on the actual cost and commitment to the project beyond just planning.

"We need to know if this money is truly secured, or if it’s just another empty election promise. Planning is one thing, but where is the commitment to actually fund the construction of the bypass?" Gooden said.

The current Inland Rail route, signed off by the former Coalition Government, was designed to pass through the heart of Wagga Wagga. The Albanese Government now says it is responding to community concerns, with planning works set to begin in 2025 and run until 2030.

However, Gooden—who, as Chair of the Riverina Sustainable Food Alliance (RSFA), met with the Wagga Ratepayers Association in 2022 to support their push for a bypass—believes both major parties have failed to properly plan for Inland Rail from the start.

“The only reason we’re having this discussion now is because of poor decision-making from the major parties. Wagga should have had a bypass plan from the beginning—not years after the route was decided,” he said.

Gooden also questioned the long timeline, asking why planning will take until 2030 before any real progress is made.

“If we already know Wagga needs a bypass, why wait years just to finish the planning? We need action—not just studies and delayed promises.”

James Gooden is standing for Change for Good—not just more short-term political promises. He is calling for full transparency from the Federal Government, including a real commitment to funding and delivering the bypass, not just talk.

To view the media release as a pdf, please click here 

CONTACT: Cate Povey | 0402 118 958