The Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester MP has given the strongest indication to date that the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail will be funded in the next Federal Budget and completed within a decade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An article in the Australian Newspaper has stated that the project will revolutionise the Australian transport logistics industry.
Headlined ‘Inland rail project shuttling in on funding commitment,’ by Paul Cleary, the article states:
‘The Inland rail line would connect Melbourne to Brisbane via the NSW city of Parkes, which is where it would intersect with the Perth-Sydney line.
‘Parkes would emerge as Australia's first freight Hub.’
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM said he was thrilled with the article, describing it as a game-changer for Parkes if it all comes to fruition.
“Of importance to Parkes is that again the article noted the strategic importance of our location,” he stressed.
“This commitment is another big step to underpinning investments in regional areas, like our shire.”
Mr Cleary also wrote another article in the Australian ‘Inland Rail could transform freight transport in under a decade.’
“Now, almost 100 years after the Trans-Australian Railway was completed, it is time to join our nation from north to south and build the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail,” he wrote.
“It is time to address the eastern Australian's freight challenge.”
The article went on to discuss the benefits of inland rail such as addressing the growing freight task, creating jobs, increased efficiency and productivity.
“Especially within agriculture and road safety, it will also provide significant environmental benefits as well as reducing congestion on road and rail on the east coast.”
Cr Keith has praised Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Chester for his comments.
“I look forward to the budget and understanding the extent of the government's commitment to the project,” he said.
“Melbourne to Brisbane inland rail will be a steep change for the nations transport and logistics industry.
“Productivity and efficiency will be increased and our markets will open up to the world.
“What we need now is certainty from the Federal Government's budget to give confidence to invest,” Cr Keith concluded.