AUSTRALIA’S private sector proponent for an Inland Rail freight line, National Trunk Rail (NTR), has been strengthened by the support of Siemens, Europe’s largest engineering group, and one of the world’s leading rail technology providers.
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Siemens is now a core member of the NTR team.
In welcoming Siemens, NTR chairman Martin Albrecht, AC said domestic land freight was expected to double over the next 20 years and triple by 2050.
“The need for an Inland Freight Rail line is now, and a competitive integrated transport supply chain solution will be critical to achieving the national productivity required to deliver sustainable prosperity from Australia’s recently negotiated Free Trade Agreements,” Mr Albrecht said.
“The technological innovation from Siemens’ global expertise in rail will ensure NTR delivers a 21st century solution to meet the current and future needs of the industries that will benefit from this critical national infrastructure project.”
Siemens Australia CEO, Jeff Connolly, said Siemens was pleased to enter in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NTR.
“Through our innovative technologies, such as advanced Train Control Systems, 3D printed parts for rail infrastructure and the locally developed Remote Diagnostics Advisory System, we are dedicated to powering Australia’s rail networks into the future.”
“NTR stands ready to deliver a superior private sector inland rail solution - shorter, straighter, flatter and faster - should the government open up its vision for inland rail to an efficient private sector solution, without the need for investment of billions of dollars of taxpayers’ funds.”
Moree Plains Shire Council have been supportive of the Inland Rail project, in particularly deputy mayor, Sue Price who is also the deputy chair of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Association (MBIRA).
“MBIRA's aim has always been to have the Inland Rail built to modern standards, increasing capacities and efficiencies in the freight task to be a corridor of opportunity," deputy mayor Price said.