The Australian freight network will be developed as part of the Australian Government’s $44 million Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program.
Michael McCormack, deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development has announced an EY Australia-led consortium has been commissioned to further develop Inland Rail interface improvements.
“Sixteen projects were found eligible in this first round of applications, and those groups are now working with the EY-led consortium to develop pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies and strategic business cases,” Michael said.
The deputy prime minister said an intermodal facility at Mangalore and expanded freight infrastructure are just some ideas that are being supported through the Interface Improvement Program.
“Inland Rail has always been about far more than building a rail line – it’s about investing in our national freight network, enhancing supply chains and bringing jobs and economic opportunity to regional Australia,” Michael said.
“Large infrastructure projects deliver great stimulus to the national economy – Inland Rail, for example, will boost GDP by $16 billion and support 16,000 jobs during construction,” he said.
He said Inland Rail’s lower cost and increased reliability will also stimulate regional economies over the long term.
“The complementary businesses, manufacturers and logistics hubs that establish along this freight rail line will provide sustained employment for people in regional Australia and boost gross regional product by up to $13.3 billion over the long term,” Michael said.
Mark Coulton, minister for regional health, regional communications and local government said the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program is investigating options for regions to maximise their connections to this national freight network.
Coulton said new supply chains enabled by Inland Rail stretch well beyond the tracks connecting Melbourne and Brisbane.
“We are backing local ideas because we know that the connections to Inland Rail will be critical to create economic uplift and ongoing jobs in our regions,” he said.
Mathias Cormann, finance minister said Inland Rail would change the way freight is moved around Australia, offering a fast and efficient alternative to complement long-haul road transport along Australia’s east coast.
“Now more than ever, our investment in Inland Rail is vital to build resilience in the national freight network that provides an essential service to Australians – delivering the inputs needed to drive small business and fuel our national economy,” he said.
“Our commitment through the Interface Improvement Program will further enhance community and industry connectivity to Inland Rail, and ensure our producers and manufacturers remain competitive.”
The 1,700-kilometre Inland Rail line will connect Melbourne, Brisbane and regional areas through fast and reliable freight rail and will create around 16,000 jobs during the construction phase, while supporting approximately 700 jobs once it is operational.
Proposals received through the Expression of Interest process were assessed by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and by its independent assurance and technical advisor.
Proposals will be developed through pre-feasibility or feasibility studies and strategic business cases, depending on the individual project proposal.
Eligibility to progress through to an appropriate assessment gateway for proposal development was assessed against the Interface Improvement Program principles and information requirements including supporting regional economic growth, capacity to increase Inland Rail throughput and supporting National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities.