Logistics News

First section of Inland Rail to take shape

Contractor selected for Parkes to Narromine section; Victorian rail also receives funding

 

Construction of the Inland Rail project between Melbourne and Brisbane will begin following the announcement of a partnership between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan, trading as InLink, to deliver the Parkes to Narromine section in New South Wales.

The joint venture has been selected as the contractor for construction and been granted $300 million funding for the first section of the 1,700km rail line.

The federal government has spruiked the economic benefits of the project, which is estimated to boost gross state product by $2.6 billion and create around 5,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and into operation, including complementary investment in towns along the route, such as the $50 million Parkes National Logistics Hub.

“Inland Rail is a transformational freight rail line and we’re already seeing millions of dollars in Australian Government investment making a difference to communities,” transport minister Michael McCormack says.

“Earlier this year we saw 14,000 tonnes of steel rail from Whyalla delivered and concrete sleepers from the Southern Highlands have been arriving every week since April, with almost 100,000 delivered so far.

“This year the Australian Government has signed bilateral agreements with New South Wales and Victoria, and we are seeing the benefits already flowing in those states. We are working with the Queensland Government to finalise a bilateral agreement and realise the significant benefits which will flow to Queensland.”


Read about the nine-point plan to drive Inland Rail, here


Separately, federal funding to Victoria includes $235 million towards upgrades on the North East Rail Line, which will eventually form the southern part of Inland Rail.

“The North East Rail Line between Albury and Melbourne is currently used for both freight and passenger rail services,” an Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) spokesperson tells ATN.

“Enhancement works in Victoria to support the running of double stack freight trains as part of the Inland Rail Programme linking Melbourne and Brisbane will be undertaken inside the same rail corridor and will eventually link up with existing and new lines being built in New South Wales and Queensland to complete the Inland Rail route.”

Inland Rail is a $9 billion project which the government says will make it easier to connect farms, mines, cities and ports to domestic and international markets.

It’s estimated 2 million tonnes of agricultural freight will switch from road to rail, and rail costs for intercapital freight will be reduced by $10 per tonne.

Former Scenic Rim mayor John Brent was recently appointed chair of the community consultative committee for the Kagaru to Acacia Ridge and Bromelton leg of the line.

 

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