Armed with maps of the proposed route and statistics from the estimated benefits, landholders had some questions answered.

The rail line will run three kilometres across Bethungra’s Caroline and Ashley Hermes’ property, cutting it in half.

While they appreciated some of the uncertainty being taken away, Mr Hermes said questions remained.

“At least they’re limiting the number of optional routes, there’s certainty now in that we’re going to be affected,” Mr Hermes said.

“There’s a lot of ‘why bothers’ in my life now, if they’re going to run a rail line through the property, why bother replacing the fence, or trees which might be knocked over,” he said.

Stockinbingal farmer Tony Hill said the route could be better.

“I would like to see the deviation further down the line,” Mr Hill said.

“It’s better for trains as it’s flatter, despite being further away, it would give better access to grain and cotton growers in the MIA and Hillston area.”

Mr Hill was worried if part of his land was divided by the train it might not be big enough to sell.

“You might lose 50 acres, will I be able to sell it to my neighbour? I can’t sell something under 50 acres.”

Illabo’s NSW Farmers branch president David Carter said the fact Inland Rail had come to speak to farmers was positive.