INLAND RAIL PROJECT CRITICAL TO AUSTRALIA’S PROSPERITY

National Party MPs have reaffirmed what Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, calls their “fervent support” for the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project.

The MPs made clear their support for the key infrastructure development at their first party meeting for 2015 at Wodonga on the Victoria-New South Wales border.

They declared at the 5 February meeting that the line was part of ensuring the right infrastructure was in place to meet Australia’s growing freight task.

Mr Truss emphasised the Inland Rail was a critical investment in jobs, growth and Australia’s future prosperity, especially for the regional areas along, and around, its route.

“It will be a game changer for how we move freight through this region, as well as across Victoria, New South Wales and Southern Queensland, linking to the existing national network to move freight around the nation,” Mr Truss said.

“It will connect regional communities with capital cities and producers with export markets.

“This project has been a signature policy for The Nationals – it is a priority for us in Government. We are making it happen with $300 million included in the Government’s infrastructure program to get construction underway.

“We know Australia’s freight task will double by 2030 and triple by 2050,” Mr Truss said.

“The Inland Rail will connect key production areas in regional Victoria and NSW with ports in Brisbane and Melbourne. Inland Rail will boost regional economic growth to drive national productivity.”

Mr Truss said the government was awaiting a report of the Inland Rail Implementation Group, headed by former Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson.

“The Implementation Group is working to determine construction priorities, engage with the community and stakeholders, settle the alignment and examine financing options,” he said.

“Inland Rail will enable Australia’s freight rail services to strongly compete with road, through substantially reduced transit times and improvements in rail service quality and pricing.

“It will boost national productivity, helping consumers through lower transport costs and supporting economic development along the corridor as a major fillip for agriculture, mining and other regional industries,” Mr Truss said.

“This is strategic infrastructure investment for the future, providing capacity to serve the east coast freight market for the next half century and beyond.”