Farmers are slamming a planned $10 billion inland railway, saying the government isn’t listening to major concerns.

The federal government is forging ahead with the 1700 kilometre freight line from Melbourne to Brisbane, the largest of its kind in Australia.

Trains will be 1800 metres in length and double stacked, aimed at removing thousands of trucks from our roads and reducing the cost of taking produce from the paddock to the port.

Map of Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail (Australian government)

The first service slated for 2024-25 but the Chair of the NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce says there must be an independent inquiry into the project.

Speaking with Alan Jones, Adrian Lyons says the project is critical but Nationals leader Michael McCormack is refusing to address major flaws.

“He might have to swallow his pride. We’re happy to talk to Albo [Anthony Albanese], we’re happy to talk to McCormack, but McCormack has shut the door on us.

“We’ve been talking for two years but the Nationals aren’t listening.”

Mr Lyons says it would only cost an extra $50 million to upgrade the existing rail corridor and avoid impacting more than 300 farmers.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview