An upgrade would seek to improve the tight curves in the track between Lithgow and Blayney, which restrict trains capable of travelling at 100km/h to just 60km/h.

The Rail Action Group, a committee within the council, believes upgrading old sections of track, which were replaced because they were too steep for 19th century locomotives, would cut travel times by up to 20 minutes.

Action group chair and councillor Neil Jones said the journey to Sydney could be reduced to four hours using a better track alignment and newer train technology.

He said rail efficiency was not only important for passengers, but also freight, in light of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement.

“We can see Orange becoming a real food hub and all that produce will need to be moved by freight,” Cr Jones said.

“Anything we can do to improve rail access will benefit freight movements and we need a speedy freight movement to the Botany terminal.”

Group member Peter Bilenkij said Orange had a track record of joint-funded projects and hoped the rail line could be another.

The council is likely to seek a meeting in the new year.

Mr Cobb said his opinion would be reserved for after the meeting, but he supported making rail more attractive and wanted to hear what the council had to say. 

“The quicker the route, the less energy it takes to produce the product and the better it becomes,” he said.

“There’s no way you’ll lower the amount of trucks, but the more freight you get on rail, the better it is for everybody.

“I remember we were told back in 2000 or 2001 that inland freight would double by 2020, but there would be three times as many truck movements.” 

Member for Orange Andrew Gee said in a statement he supported a realignment and had raised it with track manager John Holland.

“It’s a big-money fix, so federal assistance would be very, very welcome,” he said.