After six years of planning, a $35.4 million investment by the former Coalition Government, and an $8 million investment from Qube, the first freight train rolled into Tamworth on Saturday.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the sight of freight rail in Tamworth was welcome for local businesses, and for train lovers who had been looking forward to seeing trains back on the rails in West Tamworth.

“The intermodal rail line presents a real opportunity for local businesses, producers and manufacturers to tap into the advantages of a competitive transport logistics market locally,” Mr Anderson said.

"The intermodal freight line has already been driving significant private investment in our region, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

"The running of the first freight trains this week, provides additional confidence to our business community, helping attract investment from other parts of the state, the nation and the world.

"This is an outstanding result for the Tamworth electorate and I'm proud of the former Coalition Government's record in funding the $35.4m rail reactivation that made this dream a reality.

"I congratulate Qube Logistics, Tamworth Regional Council, and Transport for NSW for their work in bringing freight rail back to Tamworth."