Northern NSW town gains $7.4 million from Growing Local Economies fund for project
Tamworth’s tilt at having an intermodal freight hub has gained a New South Wales government cash spur.
As an initial move towards a larger project, $7.418 million from Growing Local Economies fund will go towards repairing and then re-instating the Barraba branch line from West Tamworth to Westdale along Wallamore Road, according to deputy premier and minister for regional NSW John Barilaro.
“This announcement is all about getting the Tamworth region’s incredible produce from paddock to port as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Barilaro says.
“This is a huge milestone for the people, producers and businesses of Tamworth, and it’s an important part of our broader regional freight strategy.
“The project will involve re-energising the old track, improving access and reducing costs for local producers, in turn increasing their export capacity and competitiveness.
“This is just the first stage of a larger project that will eventually deliver a multi-user rail freight intermodal terminal for the Tamworth region.”
Roads, maritime and freight minister Melinda Pavey says the rail project will lead to significant reductions in the negative effects of road movements.
“This is great news for the entire state, with freight in the Sydney area set to double in the next 40 years and regional freight to grow by 25 per cent,” Pavey adds.
“We have to start looking at the most efficient ways of transporting goods, which is why this investment is a smart one.
“This project will give producers a choice between road and rail when they’re delivering to port, which means lower overall production costs for industry within the region.”
For state member for Tamworth and parliamentary secretary for regional roads and rail Kevin Anderson, the next step is to work with Tamworth Regional Council to lock down a private company to build the platform and infrastructure needed.
“The re-invigorated Barraba line will bring new opportunities for investment, and provide up to 30 new jobs for the region,” Anderson says.
“This proposal is part of our regional economic development strategy, and will be a key driver for our general freight and timber industries.
“We are such a resource-rich and productive region, and this investment by the NSW government will make it even easier to get those goods to the ports.”
Tamworth region mayor Col Murray says the project is a keystone investment that unlocks opportunities for the consolidation of Tamworth as a freight hub.
“There are significant opportunities for new industry and business to locate themselves in the new hub, and this project will bring significant growth to the region,” Murray says.