Tamworth mayor Col Murray expressed his frustration at the project's slow pace, but now believes "everyone is on the same page".

"I don't think I have ever been involved in a project in my whole life, and I have spent a whole lifetime in the construction industry, that's been so difficult as this one to get started," Cr Murray said.

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"There's a few different agencies, it has been a real challenge.

"What I am pleased to say is it is finally the rail track is on track. That process is finally progressing very well."

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson echoed Cr Murray's comments, and expected to see some movement on the project soon.

"All the ducks have now come in line - it's taken way too long to get to this point," Mr Anderson said.

"Planning is well underway and we're really keen to see that progress."

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He also pointed to inter-department dealings as the source of the delay.

"That's the frustration with departments dealing with a lot of money," he said.

"We want to make sure that money is right to go, it is right to go, so let's get on with it. This will be the jewel in the crown."

In April, Mr Anderson and Cr Murray both made similar comments about the project being on track and progressing well.

In June, Cr Murray said the designs for the hub were being completed and estimated the build would be two to three months away.

When the funding was announced in November 2017, council's business director John Sommerlad's original forecast had the project completed in the second half of 2018.

In July 2018, the Leader reported that council had reviewed the "ambitious" timeline and expected the first trains to be rolling through in August 2019.