Parkes Shire Council together with the NSW Local Government and Shires Association will host the “Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Symposium” on Friday, June 22.
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Parkes has been chosen because of its developing status as a national transport hub – the result of its economic strengths and diversity.
“Given the Symposium format and content, Council remains confident of attracting a diverse range of delegates from all parts of the Eastern Seaboard,” Parkes Mayor Ken Keith said.
Cr Keith said the Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail project “wasn’t a new idea”.
He quoted the words of Sir Henry Parkes.
“Parkes’ forefather had visions back in 1889 when he famously proclaimed the following:
“...they had now, from South Australia to Queensland, a stretch of about 2,000 miles of railway, and if the four colonies could only combine to adopt a uniform gauge, it would be an immense advantage in the movement of troops, as well as in the operations of commerce and the various pursuits of society...”.
“It will be great to see Sir Henry’s vision realised”, Cr Keith said.
The Symposium will feature a range of eminent speakers including the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Warren Truss MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Bryan Nye, CEO Australasian Railway Association, Professor Philip Laird, Wollongong University and Mr John Hearsch, Great Australian Trunk Rail.
Former CEO of QLD Rail, Mr Vince O’Rourke will chair the Symposium.
“Regional business leaders and those with an interest in being updated on the delivery of this nation building project will not want to miss this event,” Cr Keith said.
“We see this infrastructure as vital for the long term prosperity of Australia and the Symposium is an ideal platform to heighten the importance of commitment to this project”.
The Symposium will take place at the Parkes Services and Citizen’s club and will be preceded by a welcome dinner on Thursday, June 21.
Cr Keith is encouraging Parkes business leaders and interested residents to attend.
Cost is $110 per head.
“Your attendance at the Symposium will demonstrate to our political leaders how much support there is throughout the community for this vital project, and we welcome widespread participation”, Cr Keith said.
For further information and registration details visit www.inlandrail.com.au or email inlandrail@parkes.nsw.gov.au Registrations close Thursday, 14 June 2012.
