Investigations into Orange train stabling facility

Today’s announcement follows ongoing advocacy from the local Member for Orange, Phil Donato and the wider orange community for improved rail services in the region.

Public consultation undertaken last year highlighted the local desire for better timed, more frequent rail services, with the community consultation report, formed by over 800 submissions being released today.

These investigations now underway by Transport will help inform suitable options and develop a concept proposal for a new stabling yard adjacent to the Orange Railway Station.

If trains could be parked overnight at Orange, it would allow greater options for passenger train journeys to and from Orange and the central west.

Further details about the investigations will be shared with the community as the proposal progresses, along with ongoing consultation with rail staff and the service unions.

Following this initial phase, the project would be subject to a feasibility assessment before design, procurement or construction could begin.

The Orange Passenger Rail Community Consultation Report April 2025 can be found at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au  

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“I have been very clear, that we can only deliver more connected local communities by listening to local voices and that is what we have done.

“I have heard loud and clear the strong community support for more frequent and better timetabled public transport connections between Orange and Sydney.

“I commend Phil and the local community on their strong advocacy for increased rail services and I look forward to continuing to work with and listen to them as we enter this next phase.

“I’m pleased Orange is being considered as a stabling facility for some of the new Regional Rail Fleet trains and I’m sure the Orange community will welcome news that we are taking this next step in investigating potential service improvements.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“Improving rail connections to Orange would provide widespread economic benefits to the whole region through increased tourism and better access to employment and education.

“It’s early days for the proposed train stabling yard but Orange would receive significant infrastructure development and expand as a passenger rail hub, building on the city’s proud railway history dating back nearly 150 years.”

NSW Labor Duty MLC for Labor, Stephen Lawrence said:

"As Duty MLC I have certainly heard the advocacy of the Orange community and their local MP Phil Donato on improving train services for Orange. This $2 million investment is a great start and I look forward As Duty MLC to seeing the results of the investigation of the viability of stabling some of the new regional train fleet at Orange".