The alternative route would see the inland rail run through Narrandera instead of Albury and Wagga, heading north through West Wyalong but cutting out Harden, Stockinbingal, Cootamundra and Junee.

The fresh calls for an alternative come despite the federal government’s commitment to funding a route that would run through the eastern Riverina instead.

Mr Stadtmiller joined with the Shooters’ Murray candidate Helen Dalton to call for the alternate route on Wednesday, which was originally floated by the Nationals’ Murray candidate Austin Evans.

“In the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party we know a good idea when we see it,” Mr Stadtmiller said.

“Whether this involves passing the line through Narrandera in place of Albury or constructing a new route, we’ll back it… it will be faster, more efficient and save more fuel because of the flatter geography and lower gradient.

“The lack of tunnels and bridges on the Narrandera to Melbourne route would also allow double-stacking of shipping containers… (overcoming) one of the major drawbacks on the Wagga and Albury route.”

The fresh debate about rail joins possible police command mergers and anger about council mergers as key election topics for the Cootamundra by-election, with the Shooters living up to their promise to directly challenge the Nationals.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the decision on the inland rail route was one for the federal government, but the Nationals had runs on the board with country rail.

“It was the Nationals that ultimately delivered the inland rail project because we knew how much of a difference it will make the rural communities, our farmers and primary producers,” he said.

“Since coming to government the NSW Liberals and Nationals have invested $1.35 billion in the country regional network alone and continues to invest $210 million annually.”