The Melbourne to Brisbane Rail Alliance (MBIRA) welcomes commencement of construction on Inland Rail as a historic milestone for Australia to meet its growing national freight task and develop an efficient supply chain.
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Chair of MBIRA, Cr Sue Price of Moree Plains commends the Australian Government’s commitment of $9.3 billion for the Australian Rail Track Corporation to develop and construct Inland Rail.
Cr Price is also pleased that the private sector is getting involved in this nation building project to complete the ‘spine’ of the national freight network between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
“The Inland Rail is the largest freight rail infrastructure project in Australia, contributing to the strength of our country,” she said.
“The Inland Rail will provide unprecedented connection for regional Australia to domestic and international markets, transforming the way we move our agricultural and other goods to market, and linking regional farms and businesses to local and export opportunities.
“Inland Rail is expected to boost Australia's GDP by $16 billion over the 10-year delivery period and during the first 50 years of its operation. This will create some 16,000 jobs at the peak of its construction, and around 700 ongoing jobs once operational.
“Commencement of this transformational freight infrastructure project is certainly encouraging and will benefit the country through improved reliability for freight transport, improved service standards and lower shipping costs.”
Cr Price said the MBIRA has been working hard to attract strategic investment in Australia’s infrastructure future since 2006.
“Commencement of the Inland Rail will ensure industry, government and all those associated with this project address the challenges to capitalise on economic development opportunities,” she said.
For more information about the Inland Rail project, visit www.inlandrail.com.au.
