Millmerran Rail Group Chairman Wes Judd said the new Nationals leader should move Inland Route

Less than a week into new job as Nationals’ leader and already Barnaby Joyce is being call out by farmers angry over the proposed Inland Rail route.

The Millmerran Rail Group has called on Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to move the inland Rail Route.

Darling Downs farmers are demanding the new National Party leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce to immediately direct the Australian Rail Track Corporation to move the Inland Rail route west of Millmerran.

Millmerran Rail Group Chairman Wes Judd said the planned route risked increased flooding on the Condamine River flood plain.

He said it also undermined the business operation of the largest mixed agribusiness on the southern Darling Downs and the thousands of livelihoods who depend upon it.

“That is why we expect the new Minister for Transport, Mr Joyce, will have a new approach from previous ministers,” Mr Judd said

“We want him to listen and to act on behalf of farming families and stand up for regional businesses.”

Mr Judd and the farmers that made up the Millmerran Rail Group had been vocal critics of the Inland Rail route for several years.

Despite their efforts, construction of the 216km Border to Gowrie section of the rail line is expected to start in 2022

It will cost about $1.4 billion and take four years to build.

According to Mr Judd, the government has not properly consulted with farmers who have rainfall data dating back 100 years.

“They have better data than the flawed advice of the ARTC,” he said.

The Millmerran Rail Group would seek a meeting with Mr Joyce who is the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in the new Ministry.