The section will see construction of a 53km single-track dual-gauge railway with crossing loops
The section between Calvert and Kagaru in Queensland has been declared a ‘coordinated project’ as part of the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail project.
It is third section of the route to be declared a coordinated project, following Gowrie to Helidon and Helidon to Calvert sections.
The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will now commence environmental impact assessment for the section that will see the construction of a 53km single-track dual-gauge railway with crossing loops.
The move comes following the federal government’s commitment to invest an additional $8.4 billion funds for the “most complex” elements of the Inland Rail project, federal infrastructure and transport minister Darren Chester notes.
“Over the next few weeks there will be information on the environmental impact assessment process and opportunities for the community to have their say on the Calvert to Kagaru project,” he says.
“The 1,700km Inland Rail will bring significant benefits and opportunities to south-east Queensland with the private sector anticipated to set up freight terminals and intermodal hubs along the route.
“Inland Rail is the largest rail project in 100 years which will bring around 16,000 jobs and economic growth opportunities, particularly during construction with three of the four regions that will benefit most being in Queensland.
“Around 60 per cent of construction expenditure is expected in Queensland, while economic modeling forecasts that Inland Rail will boost Queensland’s Gross State Product by $7.3 billion.
“This section will see a 53 kilometre long single-track dual-gauge railway with crossing loops constructed.
“The community’s input has been essential in getting this project underway, and ARTC will continue to work closely with residents, industry, Councils and stakeholders to ensure the community’s voice is heard.
“Inland Rail will complete the freight rail network between Melbourne and Brisbane, allowing goods to be moved between these two major cities, via regional Australia in under 24 hours.”